Mauritania

Landscape

Mauritania lies between the Atlantic and the Sahara, with most of its territory consisting of desert plains and plateaus. The Adrar region includes rocky uplands, escarpments and sandy basins. Conditions become less arid toward the Senegal River along the southern boundary.

The coast is a separate environment shaped by ocean water, wind and shifting sand. Banc d’Arguin includes shallow marine waters, islands and tidal flats. These coastal wetlands are very different from the dry interior even though they lie beside the desert.

Climate & seasons

Most of Mauritania has an arid desert climate. Rainfall is limited and irregular, with a short rainy season more evident toward the south.

Coastal & river life

Banc d’Arguin is important for waterbirds and marine life. In the south, the Senegal River provides water and supports farming. These relatively wet environments concentrate life within a country where rainfall is otherwise sparse and unreliable.