Mauritania is a country in Western Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 5.3 million people (UN estimate), the 121st most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1961Population: 121st
Mauritaniaモーリタニア
Region
Western Africa, Africa
Population
about 5.3 million (121st)
Area
1,030,700 km² (27th)
UN member since
October 27, 1961
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Mauritania in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 5.3 million, the 121st most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/23 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 1,030,700 km², the 27th largest of the 193. That is about 2.7 times Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 5.2.
Joining the United Nations
Mauritania joined the United Nations on October 27, 1961.
That was 5 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Mongolia.
Think about it
Q1Compare Mauritania’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Mauritania on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Mauritania, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 16 UN member states in Western Africa. The one with the most people is Nigeria.