Nouakchott - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. It is a very conservative Islamic Republic. Not as strict as say Saudi Arabia, and there are women in government, but as above, ethnic tensions exist. Most of this will not really impact a diplomat much, but I could see diplomats of color being more heavily scrutinized in social situations, though I have not heard examples of this happening. - Jan 2023
Yes, see above. - Aug 2021
Not noticeable except what I mentioned above. - Aug 2021
Mauritanians are very welcoming people and are ready to help newcomers to the community. It is a conservative country but people of different backgrounds can call it home too. - Sep 2020
I feel there are significant ethnic issues. Mauritanian women are quite strong both within the family and within society. - Apr 2019
YES. - May 2016
Yes, yes, and yes. Slavery was outlawed in the 1980s. The vestiges of slavery still exist. - Dec 2015
Yes. Racial issues are a significant problem. Slavery is still very much a problem in Mauritania. Religion is also a problem. The good old days of tolerance and moderate Islam are quickly disappearing. Christians often practice their faith in their homes. If you are expecting traditional west African moderate Islam, you will be disappointed. Airport officials, in keeping with the shift to less tolerance, have started seizing alcohol from westerners arriving at NKC - this includes searching diplomats bags. Airport "Customs" officials are charging ridiculous fines for a bottle of wine etc... For many expats, I believe this is the icing on the cake. Mauritania is already a very difficult place to live... Badgering incoming westerners will do little to improve people's interest in coming here. - Apr 2014
Among the Mauritanians there are definitely some racial prejudices, but Westerners rarely face this. - Aug 2011
Yes, there is one "international" church, but for the most part it is illegal to evangelize here, to Mauritanians especially. Racially, I don't think there is a problem. - Dec 2009
