Mauritania explained to kids

Mauritania is a country located in Northwest Africa. With an area of more than 1 million square kilometers, it is the twenty-ninth largest country in the world. Mauritania is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northeast, Algeria to the east, Mali to the south and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. The country's name comes from the ancient Berber Kingdom of Mauretania, which existed from the 3rd century BCE to the 7th century CE in the far north of modern-day Morocco and Algeria. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast. Mauritania is a majority Muslim country, with Islam being the religion of approximately 99% of the population. The country's official languages are Arabic and French. Mauritania is a member of the Arab League, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations. The economy of Mauritania is based on agriculture, fishing, mining, and livestock. The country's main agricultural products are dates, millet, sorghum, rice, and maize. Mauritania is also rich in iron ore, copper, gold, and other minerals. The country's main export partners are China, India, and Spain. Mauritania has a population of more than 4 million people. The majority of the population is of Berber or Arab descent. The largest ethnic groups are the Moors (Arab-Berbers) and the Soninke. The official language of Mauritania is Arabic, but French is also widely spoken. Mauritania is a Muslim country with Islam being the religion of approximately 99% of the population. The country's legal system is based on French civil law and Sharia law. Mauritania is a republic with a president, who is the head of state, and a prime minister, who is the head of government.