Economy of Mauritania, National economy in Nouakchott, Mauritania
The national economy works through three main sources: iron ore mining feeds export earnings, commercial fishing works the Atlantic coast, and agriculture focuses on grain and livestock in dry regions. Trade with China, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates forms the backbone of these activities.
Severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s pushed nomadic communities and farmers toward cities, reshaping the country's economic structure. This shift shaped modern work patterns and population concentration in larger centers.
The economy reflects different ways of life across the country, with people working in fishing, mining, and farming, each sector tied to its own traditions and daily rhythms. This division of labor has shaped settlements from coastal villages to inland oases.
Visitors can observe economic activity in coastal ports, mining regions, and agricultural areas depending on which areas they explore. Access to these different zones varies, so it helps to research beforehand and consider local guides.
Underwater gas reserves were discovered in 2015 at the maritime border between the country and Senegal, raising hopes for future energy resources. These reserves could shift economic direction in coming decades, but are not yet exploited at large scale.
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