Mauritania
Country statistics · 1990–present
Mauritania at a Glance
Mauritania is home to 5.2 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $3,340, it is a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Life expectancy at birth stands at 68.7 years, below the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 5.2 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 34.0 and a death rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 28.6 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 148,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Mauritania is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $17 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $3,340 per person, it is classified as a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Real GDP growth is projected at 4.9% in 2029, representing solid growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 68.7 years (2024), below the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $92 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 59.5% (2020), reflecting literacy rates that remain a key development focus. 45.8% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access.