Beyond the endless dunes of the Western Sahara lies Mauritania — a country the size of France and Germany combined, yet home to a population of only 4 million. Poverty, scarce infrastructure, and a history of tourist kidnappings have made Mauritania one of the least explored countries in the region. Back in the late 19th century, during the European colonial era, French influence took hold of Mauritania, eventually incorporating it into French West Africa. The nation declared independence on November 28, 1960, evolving into the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Despite this, post-independence brought political instability, coups, and ethnic tensions, with the enduring impact of French colonialism shaping the socio-political landscape and influencing ongoing developmental challenges.
#21 Workers Run To Greet The Arriving Train And Help Their Colleagues Unload The Goods And Livestock From The Train

6points
#22 Street View Of Atar – A City Of 35,000 Residents Situated In The Middle Of The Route Between Nouadhibou And Zouérat

To reach Atar from the railway, however, you’ll need to hop into a 4×4 Toyota and travel across the pathless desert for about two hours.
5points
#23 The Town Of Fderik As Seen From The Train. You Know You’re Approaching The Iron Ore Mines When The Soil Starts Turning Red

5points
#24 People Wait For The Iron Ore Train To Arrive Just Outside The Town Of Choum. The Train Does Not Have A Proper Schedule And Sometimes Can Be Late For Hours

5points
#25 The Goats Are Being Thrown Off The Train At The Final Stop In The Port Of Nouadhibou

5points


