Zouérat, Mauritania 🇲🇷
#241
22.73965, -12.46455
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zouérat is the second largest city in Mauritania, located in the northern part of the country. It serves as a mining town and a hub for travelers exploring the Sahara. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 35,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average around 4 Mbps, but can vary greatly depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 400 MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya). ATM access is limited, and cash transactions are preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is advisable to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Orange and Mauritel provide local SIM cards with reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited international banks. Cash-based transactions are more common, with some acceptance of cards in larger venues. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options are primarily hotels and guesthouses. Airbnb is not widely available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is king. Many places do not accept credit/debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Not common, but some local guesthouses offer flexible stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Bouamatou and various local guesthouses offer affordable stays starting from around 20 MRU/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces currently in Zouérat. Remote work is often done from cafes or hotels. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de l'Amitié is known for its relaxed atmosphere and decent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited formal networking events. Local meetups may occur informally among expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings are mainly through small local clubs or informal get-togethers among foreigners. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major taxi apps. Local taxis are available, but negotiate prices before starting your ride. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No formal bike/scooter rental services in Zouérat. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beaches are in Nouadhibou, approximately a 12-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mauritania Airlines is the primary regional airline connecting to larger cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Air Mauritanie operate flights to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Zouérat is accessible via Route Nationale 1 leading to Nouadhibou and towards the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zouérat has a train station linking to the mining railway to Nouadhibou. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available to explore nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital de Zouérat provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No established yoga or wellness centers currently. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited local gyms available, primarily for basic workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Basic laundry services are offered by many guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery apps. Local eateries offer take-out. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Méchoui (roasted lamb), a popular local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; some local vegetarian dishes available at restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries sell traditional pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets in town offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options due to logistics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services currently available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some local bars may operate near hotels. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; imported beers available at some establishments. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars available in Zouérat. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available near markets; look for grilled kebabs and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; local restaurants serve traditional Mauritanian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic mining town and surrounding desert landscapes. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local history showcased in small exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the remnants of colonial architecture throughout the town. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque of Zouérat is a notable local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals often occur in connection with local nomadic cultures. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Traditional neighborhoods reflecting Mauritanian culture are spread throughout the city. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Minimal local theater; community events sometimes occur. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local bazaars offer handmade crafts and regional products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Mauritanian music performances can be found at cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; some murals reflecting local culture may be spotted. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | No formal cooking classes; however, locals may share recipes informally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; local art is often displayed in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era buildings can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Zouérat's heritage is closely tied to the mining industry and nomadic traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Sahara Desert surrounding the city for stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National du Banc d'Arguin is the nearest national park, accessible by a longer journey. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited, but trekking in the nearby desert can be done. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Desert vistas offer breathtaking views, particularly at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sahara region provides unique birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the desert for bonfires can be found, but it's advisable to check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited local services available; international shipping can be arranged in larger cities. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic tech repair services are available; options may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No dedicated facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language classes for Arabic and French may be available through community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries; however, cafes provide quiet places to work. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers may host informal gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges exist. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not a common activity in Zouérat. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed based on Mauritanian sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; however, various taxes apply to businesses. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules present. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% on property transactions. |