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Middle East and North Africa
Mauritania |
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Last reviewed: 1 July 2008 |
Country information
HISTORY
In the 11th century Mauritania formed part of the Islamic religious Almoravid state, which subjugated Ghana, Morocco and western Algeria and dominated Muslim Spain until the mid 12th century. The strength of Islam in Mauritania dates from those times. Between the 13th -15th centuries Mauritania was invaded by Maqil Bedouin tribes. From the 15th century the Portuguese and Spanish established trading settlements on the coast. They were followed by the French who first set up posts along the Senegal river but later gained control of the coastal region, and in 1903 incorporated Mauritania into the French West Africa protectorate. In 1920 Mauritania became a French colony and in 1958 an autonomous state, remaining within the French Community. It gained full independence as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on 28 November 1960. In 1973 Mauritania joined the Arab League.
