Mauritania
20 00 N, 12 00 W
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m
total: 5,074 km
border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
arable land: 0.2%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.79% (2005)
overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation
Most of the country is hot and dry with practically no rain. In the south, however, rainfall is higher with a rainy season which runs from July to September. The coast is tempered by trade winds and is mild with the exception of the hot Nouakchott region (where the rainy season begins a month later). Deserts are cooler and windy in March and April.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens, with a warm wrap for cool evenings. Waterproofs are necessary for the rainy season.
time difference: UTC 0
