Mauritania is a country located in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mali to the east and southeast, and Algeria to the north. It has a diverse landscape that includes the Sahara Desert, which covers much of its territory. The capital city is Nouakchott, situated along the coast, and serves as the political and economic center of the country. The population of Mauritania is made up of various ethnic groups, including Moors, Sub-Saharan Africans, and Berbers. The official language is Arabic, and the country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history of trade and interaction with neighboring regions. Mauritania's economy relies heavily on mining, agriculture, and fishing.