Nouakchott, Mauritania 🇲🇷
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nouakchott is the capital city of Mauritania and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 400 MRU, local currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). ATMs available but often have low withdrawal limits. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Mauritel and Chinguitel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard accepted at some locations, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments, with websites like Airbnb and Booking.com being useful. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely preferred yet some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local property management companies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Auberge LeFolk offer affordable rates. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Buro of the Future, provides a decent working environment and Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Victoria, known for its friendly atmosphere and Wi-Fi access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Mauritania. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Mauritania' facilitate social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snap, a local app for safe ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; scooters can be found for rent in some hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Nouakchott, a local beach accessible within 15 minutes. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritanie provides regional routes to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc fly into Nouakchott. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National highway connecting to various regional towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; public minivans serve as local transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transport pass; payment is per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis (bush taxis) offer connections to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique du Littoral is among the better healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options but some hotels offer yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Centro Sportif offers gym facilities for locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Service available at hotels and some laundromats in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Nouakchott, providing delivery from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Thieboudienne', a traditional fish and rice meal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Camp des Sables offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Moulatou offers a variety of Mauritanian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks (markets) are ideal for budget food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon services are limited; e-commerce options are growing slowly. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services, mostly through local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cheikh Anta Diop space hosts various bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local beer is available, but no major breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; some restaurants offer wine with meals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit near the markets for local snacks like 'maakouda' (potato fritters). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve French, Italian, and Lebanese cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Port of Nouakchott and Nouakchott's Mosque are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée National de Mauritanie showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Nouakchott, the historical center of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nouakchott Mosque is prominent and open to visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Mauritania Independence Day celebrations on November 28. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The artisanal market area is vibrant and full of local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events at the National Theater of Mauritania. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the great market (Marché de Nouakchott) for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars featuring traditional Mauritanian rhythms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art but local artists can be found showcasing their work in markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on traditional Mauritanian cuisine occasionally offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art spaces focusing on local artists can be found in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-era buildings are scattered across the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Arabic influence can be seen in the architecture and local customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banc d'Arguin National Park offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; the coastal pathways are preferable for gentle walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The beaches offer beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Fezouata's salt flats are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches permit small bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers international shipping services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops in the city center offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide Arabic and French classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | International community has access to local libraries; private libraries are also operational. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural and community centers host various classes and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, mainly focus on internet café style with gaming access. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Mauritania. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m²; a studio of 40 m² could cost around $48,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m²; a studio of 40 m² could cost around $32,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m²; a one-bedroom of 60 m² could cost around $90,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m²; a one-bedroom of 60 m² could cost around $60,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m²; a two-bedroom of 80 m² could cost around $112,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m²; a two-bedroom of 80 m² could cost around $80,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income and it's relatively straightforward. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; they have a sales tax called 'Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée' at varying rates. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No; Mauritania does not have these rules explicitly defined. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Nominal property tax is applied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property transactions. |