Mauritania

Population

• Total Population: Approximately 4.9 million (as of 2024, UN estimate)
• Gender Distribution: 50.2% female, 49.8% male
• Youth Population: Over 58% under the age of 25

Urban vs Rural Distribution: 57% urban, 43% rural

Economic Landscape

• GDP: $10 billion (2023 estimate, IMF)
• Key Industries: Mining (iron ore), Fisheries, Agriculture (livestock)
• Women in Workforce: Approximately 35%, mostly in informal and pastoral sectors
• Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 32% less than men in formal employment
• Challenges: Slavery legacies, desertification, limited job opportunities for women

Political Landscape
Women’s Representation in Leadership:
Parliament: 20% (National Assembly)
Local Government Leadership: Around 15% of municipal councilors are women
Challenges: Authoritarian tendencies, cultural resistance, weak policy implementation
Key Policies Promoting Gender Equality:
Personal Status Code (2001, under review)
National Strategy for Gender Equality (2015)

• Social and Cultural Context
  Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
  Deeply patriarchal with strong Islamic influence
  Women tied to domestic and pastoral duties
  Traditional Barriers:
  Forced marriages and polygamy
  Female genital mutilation (66% prevalence, UNICEF)
  Restricted education access for girls

• Gender Index Rankings
  Global Gender Gap Index (2023): Ranked 139th out of 146 countries
  Human Development Index (2023): 0.540 (Medium human development)
  Women’s Empowerment Index: Low literacy (43% for women), minimal political voice
  Challenges Identified: Slavery remnants, high poverty (25%), gender-based violence