These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings. As a result of perceived Western involvement in counterterrorism efforts, terrorist groups have declared their intention to attack Western targets in Mauritania and the region.
It is possible that these terrorist groups will attempt retaliatory attacks against Western targets of opportunity. Al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations have previously conducted kidnapping of Westerners for ransom and suicide bombing attempts.
The Mauritanian military continues to engage in action against these elements. Because of terrorist activities in the vicinity, travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to: the Mali border regions, the Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of southeastern Mauritania, the eastern half of the Assaba region east of Kiffa , the eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania east of Tidjika , the eastern half of the Adrar region east of Chinguetti , and the Tiris-Zemmour region of northern Mauritania.
Embassy staff members are authorized to travel to these regions only in limited circumstances. Given threats by Al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations and other terrorist organizations, and because of indications of a desire to kidnap Westerners for ransom, U. Faith-based organizations, regardless of their location, may also be particularly targeted. Traveling Safely within Mauritania: Travelers should exercise prudence and caution when traveling in Mauritania.
Be particularly vigilant when traveling by road outside of populated areas, even when traveling along main routes and highways. The U. Embassy discourages travel outside of urban areas unless in a convoy accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions. Driving outside of urban areas after dark is also strongly discouraged. Embassy has received reports of banditry and smuggling in the more remote parts of Mauritania.
In Nouakchott and other major cities in Mauritania, there is an increased security presence and additional checkpoints. Travelers should be prepared for such inquiries by carrying identification at all times. These checkpoints should be respected, even if they appear to be unmanned. Drivers should stop, sound their horn, and pause for an adequate amount of time before proceeding through the checkpoint to avoid any type of confrontation. It is best to drive cautiously and be prepared to stop at short notice.
Travelers should be aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain good personal security practices, including always locking homes and cars, varying routes and times of travel, and maintaining a low profile. When going out, avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners but do not travel alone , and avoid sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street when in restaurants or cafes.
Be particularly alert when frequenting locales associated with Westerners, including cultural centers, social and recreation clubs, beach areas, and restaurants. Landmines remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara and travelers should cross only at designated border posts. Embassy in Nouakchott before setting out. For more information about travel in Mauritania, please see the section on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
Political Concerns: In September , many countries around the world, including Mauritania, experienced political demonstrations protesting the controversial YouTube video and cartoon. Also, several political opposition parties have joined together as the Coordination of the Democratic Opposition, and organize regular demonstrations in the capital of Nouakchott seeking the departure of President Aziz.
Although the political rallies are generally calm and peaceful, the possibility of political instability or spontaneous violent protests remains. In addition, deteriorating economic conditions could cause civil unrest. Some previous protests in Mauritania have turned violent. An anti-government group calling itself the Youth of February 25 Movement held a series of protests in the capital of Nouakchott in calling for political, economic, and social reform.
A separate group, Do Not Touch My Nationality, organized several demonstrations in over alleged discrimination in a national registration drive in Nouakchott and in smaller towns throughout Mauritania. Most of these demonstrations turned violent and one protestor was fatally shot by security forces during a September protest in Maghama. The demonstrations were generally announced in advance in the media and on the Internet.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mauritania is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Public transportation is not safe and road conditions in Mauritania are generally poor, particularly in the interior.
Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is non-existent. Mauritania has only about 2, km 1, miles of surfaced roads, km miles of unsurfaced roads, and 5, km 3, miles of unimproved tracks. Travelers should not offer rides to hitchhikers, nor should visitors to Mauritania accept rides offered by strangers. Taxis and public transportation and are not considered to be secure forms of transportation for western visitors to Mauritania. The history of the city of Nouakchott began with its founding in by indigenous people from the surrounding region.
From to Nouakchott was a small fishing village. As late as it had only about people. As the French colony of Mauritania was moving toward its independence, beginning with autonomy in and ending in full independence in , Nouakchott was selected as the capital because of its climate and its coastal location.
French colonial officials planned for a population of around 50, but budget restrictions in France and the poverty of the new nation of Mauritania prevented the city from reaching that population until the late s. Beginning in , however, the Sahel drought forced subsistence farmers and nomadic peoples from across Mauritania into the city. The major religions are Christianity with Catholics as the most numerous of that faith, and Muslims, most of whom are Sunni.
Shantou 10, Kilometer. Bangkok 9, Kilometer. Bengaluru 7, Kilometer. Saint Petersburg 5, Kilometer. Santiago 7, Kilometer. Kolkata 8, Kilometer. Sydney 14, Kilometer. Yangon 8, Kilometer. Jinan 10, Kilometer. Chennai 7, Kilometer. Zhengzhou 10, Kilometer. Melbourne 14, Kilometer. Riyadh 5, Kilometer. Changchun 11, Kilometer.
Dalian 11, Kilometer. Los Angeles 8, Kilometer. Chattogram 8, Kilometer. Kunming 9, Kilometer. Places near Nouakchott Tevragh Zeina. Dar Naim. Ouro Sogui. Mermoz Boabab. New York City. Mexico City. Buenos Aires. Los Angeles.
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