Rank #121 by World Population
🇲🇷Mauritania
Mauritania has a population of 5,022,441, ranking #121 in the world. The capital is Nouakchott. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Lower middle income
5,022,441
Population
#121
World Rank
68.5
Life Expectancy
$2,136
GDP Per Capita
Mauritania, #121 by world population
Mauritania Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Mauritania had a population of 824,298 in 1960 and 5,169,395 in 2024, a 6.3× growth over 64 years. The peak was 5,169,395 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.91%.
5,169,395
Population (2024)
824,298
Population (1960)
5,169,395
Peak (2024)
2.91%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 824,298 |
| 1961 | 846,167 |
| 1962 | 869,184 |
| 1963 | 893,423 |
| 1964 | 918,955 |
| 1965 | 945,838 |
| 1966 | 974,157 |
| 1967 | 1,003,843 |
| 1968 | 1,034,739 |
| 1969 | 1,066,754 |
| 1970 | 1,099,806 |
| 1971 | 1,133,702 |
| 1972 | 1,168,355 |
| 1973 | 1,203,838 |
| 1974 | 1,240,188 |
| 1975 | 1,277,330 |
| 1976 | 1,315,336 |
| 1977 | 1,353,768 |
| 1978 | 1,392,713 |
| 1979 | 1,432,758 |
| 1980 | 1,474,043 |
| 1981 | 1,516,877 |
| 1982 | 1,561,176 |
| 1983 | 1,606,746 |
| 1984 | 1,653,693 |
| 1985 | 1,702,107 |
| 1986 | 1,751,835 |
| 1987 | 1,803,014 |
| 1988 | 1,855,859 |
| 1989 | 1,903,048 |
| 1990 | 1,951,878 |
| 1991 | 2,009,738 |
| 1992 | 2,088,135 |
| 1993 | 2,174,328 |
| 1994 | 2,249,454 |
| 1995 | 2,312,017 |
| 1996 | 2,358,188 |
| 1997 | 2,411,306 |
| 1998 | 2,474,651 |
| 1999 | 2,541,698 |
| 2000 | 2,613,441 |
| 2001 | 2,678,760 |
| 2002 | 2,738,655 |
| 2003 | 2,802,046 |
| 2004 | 2,868,664 |
| 2005 | 2,939,059 |
| 2006 | 3,013,660 |
| 2007 | 3,093,059 |
| 2008 | 3,183,269 |
| 2009 | 3,284,448 |
| 2010 | 3,390,965 |
| 2011 | 3,502,811 |
| 2012 | 3,619,034 |
| 2013 | 3,734,318 |
| 2014 | 3,848,514 |
| 2015 | 3,965,959 |
| 2016 | 4,086,657 |
| 2017 | 4,210,600 |
| 2018 | 4,337,685 |
| 2019 | 4,467,708 |
| 2020 | 4,600,131 |
| 2021 | 4,734,874 |
| 2022 | 4,875,637 |
| 2023 | 5,022,441 |
| 2024 | 5,169,395 |
Demographics
| Population | 5,022,441 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.97% |
| Urban Population | 59.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 4.70 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 68.5 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 31.1 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 59.5% |
Economy & Trade
$2,136
GDP Per Capita
10.4%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
32.0
Gini Index (inequality)
92.2%
Trade (% of GDP)
Health & Education
4.3%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.26
Physicians per 1,000
4.7%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
59.5%
Literacy Rate
31.1
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
50.3%
Electricity Access
42.5%
Internet Users
138
Mobile Subs per 100
4.9
People per km2
2,999
Net Migration
Environment
0.3%
Forest Area
Mauritania Climate
Mauritania has an average annual temperature of 25.1°C (77°F) and receives about 78 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is September and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
25.1°C
Avg Temp
78
Precip (mm/yr)
Sep
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21° / 69° | 1 mm |
| February | 22° / 72° | 1 mm |
| March | 23° / 74° | 2 mm |
| April | 24° / 76° | 1 mm |
| May | 25° / 77° | 0 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 1 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 9 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 31 mm |
| September | 29° / 85° | 26 mm |
| October | 28° / 83° | 3 mm |
| November | 25° / 77° | 1 mm |
| December | 22° / 71° | 2 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Mauritania
The most comfortable months to visit Mauritania are typically January, December and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is September (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 14°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Mauritania in global context
Mauritania is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mauritania has a population of 5,022,441, ranking #121 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.97%.
Life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years. The infant mortality rate is 31.1 per 1,000 live births.
Mauritania's GDP per capita is $2,136. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
59.7% of Mauritania's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 4.9 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Mauritania is 59.5%. The country spends 4.7% of GDP on education.
The most comfortable months to visit Mauritania are typically January, December and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Mauritania has an average annual temperature of 25.1°C and about 78 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically September and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 5,022,441 residents, Mauritania is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . Its population is growing quickly, by about 3.0% a year.
Mauritania is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $2,136. Life expectancy is 68.5 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 4.7 births per woman, and 59.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.