Historical Dictionary of MauritaniaMauritania is bordered by Senegal in the south, Mali in the east, Algeria in the far northeast, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the north. Comprised mostly of vast stretches of desert, this young country has escaped the ravages of the violent interstate and civil conflicts that have so bedeviled Africa. Mauritanian society possesses ancient antecedents and a universal religious faith that has been practiced over several centuries. These characteristics have given the country a sometimes fragile but relatively resilient sense of national identity, which has survived into the 21st century in the face of powerful political, regional, ethnic/racial, and tribal rivalries since its independence in 1960. An economy largely centered on the export of raw materials, a weak agricultural sector, and a harsh climate in most areas further add to the challenges confronting all Mauritanians. The third edition of the Historical Dictionary of Mauritania_through its chronology, introductory essay, maps, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, institutions, and significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects_provides an important reference on Mauritania. |
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activities addition Ahmed Ould Algiers announced Arab areas armed forces army attempt August became Black African capital century CMSN colonial constitution continued Council country’s coup crisis December Démocratique early economic elections established February FLAM foreign former France French Front Hassan head held human important increased independence iron Islamic January July June Kiffa late later leader least Maaouiya Ould Sid’Ahmed major March Mauritania military million mining minister Mohamed Mohamed Ould Mokhtar Ould Daddah months Morocco Nationale Nouadhibou Nouakchott November October officers operations opposition organization Ould Abdellahi Ould Cheikh Ould Heydallah Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya Paris percent period Polisario political parties population position PRDS President Ould Taya regime region relations remained Republic result rule Second sector Senegal served social Société soon territory tion town Union United Western Sahara World