Nouakchott - Post Report Question and Answers
Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I’ve been surprised by how many friends I have made among the expat community and with some of the local embassy staff (especially those that have experience abroad). Ethnic tensions between the ruling “white moors” and most sub-saharan African groups can bubble up from time to time. - Jan 2023
COVID has made socializing difficult; vaccine rates are low and most locals and expats are not taking precautions. Mauritanians are extremely welcoming and hospitable, so during normal times it may be possible to make local friends. However, many find the continued presence of slavery in various forms extraordinarily disturbing and preclude the ability to form personal relationships with certain Mauritanians. Ethnic tensions among local groups persist. The French expat community is active, and many speak English of course. There is a pretty decent sized Spanish community as well. - Aug 2021
Locals are friendly. The only issues I have encountered is between the white moors and the Africans. They have a long history of issues. - Aug 2021
Locals are very welcoming and ready to help whenever they can. They are open to pretty much everyone, but this is a conservative society. - Sep 2020
Mauritanians are lovely, gentle people in general. They pride themselves on being very hospitable. You will likely be invited to many dinners and unique experiences if you make any attempt to make Mauritanian friends. - Apr 2019
