Mau·ri·ta·ni·a [ màwrə táynee ə ]country in northwestern Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It became independent from France in 1960. Languages: Arabic, French. Currency: ouguiya. Capital: Nouakchott. Population: 3,129,486 (2009 estimate).
Area: 1,031,000 sq km (398,000 sq mi) Official name Islamic Republic of Mauritania
