by Roohi

Created on: January 21, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

Watch Nature in Its Entire Splendor in Mauritania

If tranquil sandy beaches and grand dune fields is your idea of a delightful cruise, then visit Mauritania. Mauritania is located in northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Western Sahara on the northwest. The amazing combination of sand dunes and the ocean is what makes the country so unique. Enjoy the ancient cities, the beautiful deep canyons, the millions of shorebirds, the thrilling camel rides and the delicious seafood in your trip to this country.

* The Arab Conquest of Mauritania
The Bafours were the original inhabitants of Mauritania. They were displaced by the Berber tribes from North Africa who began migrating to the country between the 3rd and 7th centuries. Moorish Islamic warrior monks defeated the Ghana Empire and conquered southern Mauritania in the 11th century. After 500 years of strong resistance from the locals and the famous Thirty-Year Mauritania War, the Arabs led by the Beni Hassan tribe, finally became the rulers of this country.

* The French Colonization of Mauritania
In the late 19th century, the French colonial mission succeeded in absorbing the Mauritania territories from the Senegal River area and upwards. In the early 20th century, they extended their rule over the four Mauritania emirates through strategic alliances and military pressures. Mauritania became a part of French West Africa in 1920. During the French rule, many sedentary tribes, whose ancestors had been driven out centuries back, began to slowly come back into Mauritania.

The country gained independence in 1960. This is when many sub-Saharan African tribes began pouring into Mauritania and soon took up important positions in the new state. This change was not accepted by the Moors who reacted by attempting to gain more control on Mauritanian life. This ethnic tension was quite evident till the 1980s. However, since then it has subsided to a great extent.

* The Culture of Mauritania
The vernacular architecture and the Neolithic pottery are examples of the beautiful ancient culture of Mauritania. The population mainly comprises of the mixed Moor/Black group. About 99% of the population belongs to the Sunni Muslim sect of Islam. Hassaniya Arabic is the official language of the country, although French, Wolfe, Soninke and Pulaar are also quite commonly spoken.

* The Variations in Mauritanian Geography
Mauritania is three times the size of the state of Arizona. Its capital city, Nouakchott, is located

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