At the end of the first millennium this was the western extreme of the Saharan trade routes and was famous for date plantations. By the time of Mali Empire it was home to nomadic Berber, and eventually became part of the Islamic Almoravid state. Portuguese explorers visited and documented the area (and raided for slaves). Mauritania became a French colony in 1814 and achieved independence in 1960.
A brief introduction to the history of Mauritania from the time of early humans to the present day.
A useful potted history is included with these US Department of State Background Notes on Mauritania. Also included is a range of political, economic, and geographical data, as well as information on its people, defense, and relations with the US.
The Library of Congress Country Study for Mauritania provides an excellent and fairly detailed history of the country. This information was originally compiled for the US Department of Army in case of potential deployment -- examining the historical, social, economic, and political background the country. (The only problem with this site is the awkwardness of navigating so many pages.)
A quirky, colloquial presentation of Mauritania’s history presented by LonelyPlanet.com. Makes awfully good reading and may galvanize your interest in Africa’s regional history. Not only suitable for travelers.
An extremely brief historical overview accompanies this BBC Country Profile of Mauritania. Of particular interest are the simplified regional map (see where the country is in Africa), a photograph of Mauritania’s current Chief of State, and details about the countries media.
A chronology of important events in the history of Mauritania given by year (and for more recent events by month also).
A useful map and a range of geographical, political, and economic facts which are mostly up-to-date. Unfortunately this country profile lacks historical information (except for independence date), but the population statistics are probably the best available.
Updated weekly, this list of Mauritania's Chief of State and Cabinet Ministers is provided by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America.
Amnesty International report on human rights violations and media restrictions in Mauritania.
As well as the usual Country Profile information available on the web, AlertNet offers up to date news headlines about humanitarian efforts and crises in Mauritania.
