Mauritania is a predominantly desert country in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, that bridges the Arab Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. It's a constitutional Islamic Republic with a rich history, now characterized by a mix of nomadic and urban populations, economic reliance on mining (especially iron ore), fishing, and its burgeoning gas sector. Key economic drivers include its substantial iron ore exports and new offshore gas production, though the nation faces challenges from desertification and poverty.