Mauritania
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 5.32 million people live in Mauritania, on 1,030,700 km². The capital is Nouakchott.
- Capital
- Nouakchott
- Population
- 5,315,065
- Area
- 1,030,700 km²
- Official languages
- French and Arabic
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Mauritania?
Sockets take plug type C, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Mauritania?
Call 117 for the police, 101 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Mauritania?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Mauritania?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Mauritania?
Prices are in Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU).
What language do they speak in Mauritania?
Official languages: French and Arabic.
How do I call a number in Mauritania from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +222.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
