Μαυριτανία, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. The capital city is Nouakchott, which is situated along the coast. The country has a diverse landscape that includes desert regions, particularly the Sahara Desert, and fertile areas along the Senegal River. Mauritania's population is made up of various ethnic groups, including the Moors, Sub-Saharan Africans, and Berbers. The official language is Arabic, and the predominant religion is Islam.