Want to learn about Mauritania? Here are the flag, the capital city, the animals, the food, and some amazing facts — all explained in a fun way for kids.
Quick facts about Mauritania
| Capital | Nouakchott |
|---|---|
| Continent | Africa |
| Population | 4,700,000 |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Currency | Mauritanian ouguiya |
| National symbol | Crescent and Star |
| Famous food | Thieboudienne |
In Mauritania, people often speak Arabic. A friendly way to say hello is "As-salam alaykum". 👋
Fun facts about Mauritania for kids
- Mauritania is almost entirely covered by the Sahara Desert!
- It has one of the longest trains in the world, the Iron Ore Train, which can be 1.5 miles long!
- The ancient 'Eye of the Sahara' is a massive circular rock formation visible from space!
- Tea is served three times in a row — the first is 'bitter like life', the second 'sweet like love', the third 'gentle like death'.
- Nomadic tent life and poetry are deeply honored traditions.
Famous places in Mauritania
- Eye of the Sahara
- Chinguetti
- Banc d'Arguin
Nature and symbols of Mauritania
- Crescent and Star
- National sport: Football
Going to Mauritania with kids?
A few small things to do together before you go turn the trip into an adventure your child already understands:
- Practise saying hello the local way: "As-salam alaykum".
- Find Nouakchott, the capital, on a map or globe together.
- Learn to spot the flag 🇲🇷 so your child can find it when you land.
- Try a taste of Thieboudienne at home, then compare it on the trip.
- Pick one famous place to look out for, like Eye of the Sahara.
Print a passport stamp
Print this page, cut out the stamp and stick it in a notebook passport. Great for a trip, a school project, or a country-of-the-week at home or in class. Teaching a whole class? Use the free classroom passport.
Collect Mauritania and 194 more countries 🌍
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