Mauritania
Mauritania
- Capital
- Nouakchott
- Population
- 4,649,660
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic
Mauritania is home to the Eye of the Sahara, a massive geological formation also known as the Richat Structure that is clearly visible from space. This deeply eroded circular dome spans nearly 40 kilometers in diameter and was once used as a landmark for early space missions. While it was initially thought to be an impact crater from a meteorite, scientists now believe it is a symmetrical uplift that has been exposed by wind and water over millions of years.
Currency
The national currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya, denoted by the ISO code MRU. In 2018, the country underwent a significant redenomination where 10 old Ouguiya became one new Ouguiya, and it is notable for being one of the few currencies in the world that does not use a base-10 sub-unit system.
Flag symbolism
The national flag features a green field with a gold star and crescent, representing Mauritania's status as an Islamic Republic. In 2017, two red horizontal stripes were added to the top and bottom of the design to honor the blood spilled by those who fought for independence from colonial rule. The green and gold colors also symbolize the hope for a prosperous future and the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert that cover much of the nation.
Emblem history
The national seal of Mauritania was updated in 2018 to mirror the changes made to the national flag by incorporating a red outer circular border. At its heart, the emblem displays a gold star and crescent set against a green background, emphasizing the central role of Islam in the nation's identity. Behind these symbols are depictions of a palm tree and a stalk of millet, which represent the agricultural heritage and natural resources of the river settlements and oases.