Mauritania
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Western Africa, Mauritania has a population of approximately 4.93 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 1.03 million km², translating to a density of 5.0 people per km². Its capital is Nouakchott, and Arabic is the official language, while the Mauritanian ouguiya serves as the national currency.
Population
4,927,532
Area
1,030,700 km²
Density
5/km²
World Rank
#127
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 34.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.5 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 42.7% of the population is under 15, while only 3.2% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Nouakchott
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Mauritanian ouguiya (UM)
- Calling Code
- +222
- Top-Level Domain
- .mr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 4,927,532
- Land Area
- 1,030,700 km²
- Population Density
- 5 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +43,362 people
- Daily Growth
- +119 people
- World Population Share
- 0.06%
- Coordinates
- 20.00°, -12.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.1k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 10.3%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 32.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
68.5 years
GDP per Capita
$2,110
Birth Rate
34.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
60.6%
Fertility Rate
4.70 births/woman
Infant Mortality
31.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
10.3%
Literacy Rate
59.5%
Internet Users
37.4%
Under 15
42.7%
Over 65
3.2%
Health Spending
4.3% GDP
Gini Index
32.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
2.1M
15-64 years
2.7M
65+ years
159K
Urbanization
About 60.6% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Nouakchott serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Extremely low population density means that settlements are widely dispersed, raising logistical hurdles for infrastructure and public service delivery.
3.0M
60.6%
1.9M
39.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 68.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 31.0 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. Literacy stands at 59.5%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Mauritania
Mauritania has 2 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Mauritania is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Mauritania participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 4,927,532 |
| 2030 | 5,102,106 |
| 2035 | 5,326,543 |
| 2040 | 5,558,334 |
| 2045 | 5,797,955 |
| 2050 | 6,045,886 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Mauritania.
Largest Cities in Mauritania
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Mauritania by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mauritania?
The population of Mauritania is approximately 4.9 million as of 2026, making it #127 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Mauritania?
The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott.
What languages are spoken in Mauritania?
The main languages spoken in Mauritania are Arabic.
How big is Mauritania?
Mauritania covers an area of 1,030,700 km² with a population density of 5 people per km².
Is Mauritania growing or shrinking?
Mauritania is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 43,362 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Mauritania?
The average life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Mauritania?
The GDP per capita of Mauritania is $2,110.