Mauritania
- Capital:
- Nouakchott
- Continent:
- Africa
- Region(s):
- Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Largest Cities:
- Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Kiffa
- Abbreviation:
- MRT
5,461,319
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
5,461,319
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Mauritania's population is projected to be 16,792,538 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,461,319 | 2.9% | 123 |
| 2025 | 5,315,065 | 2.93% | 124 |
| 2020 | 4,600,131 | 2.96% | 126 |
| 2019 | 4,467,708 | 3% | 127 |
| 2018 | 4,337,685 | 3.02% | 127 |
| 2017 | 4,210,600 | 3.03% | 127 |
| 2015 | 3,965,959 | 3.18% | 128 |
| 2010 | 3,390,965 | 2.9% | 132 |
| 2005 | 2,939,059 | 2.38% | 136 |
| 2000 | 2,613,441 | 2.48% | 136 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,461,319 | 2.9% | 123 |
| 2032 | 6,374,846 | 2.59% | 114 |
| 2037 | 7,183,119 | 2.42% | 112 |
| 2042 | 8,020,484 | 2.23% | 110 |
| 2047 | 8,888,481 | 2.08% | 106 |
| 2052 | 9,769,711 | 1.91% | 99 |
| 2057 | 10,650,676 | 1.74% | 97 |
| 2062 | 11,529,734 | 1.6% | 95 |
| 2067 | 12,397,847 | 1.46% | 94 |
| 2072 | 13,244,154 | 1.33% | 92 |
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Nouakchott has a metropolitan area population of 1,637,012, comprising 29.97%% of Mauritania's total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nouakchott | 1,637,012 | 29.97% |
| 2 | Nouadhibou | 194,725 | 3.57% |
| 3 | Kiffa | 79,794 | 1.46% |
| 4 | Zouerate | 68,964 | 1.26% |
| 5 | Kaedi | 61,897 | 1.13% |
| 6 | Selibabi | 46,738 | 0.86% |
| 7 | Rosso | 45,821 | 0.84% |
| 8 | Guerou | 40,510 | 0.74% |
| 9 | Nema | 40,000 | 0.73% |
| 10 | Aioun | 39,563 | 0.72% |
As of 2026, Mauritania has a total population of 5,461,319, ranking as the 123rd most populous nation in the world.
Mauritania has a net population change of approximately 402 people per day, driven by 496 births, 78 deaths, and net emigration of 16 people.
Mauritania represents 0.07% of the total global population and 0.34% of Africa's population.
Mauritania has a population density of 5.3 people per km² (approximately 13.7 per mi²), making it the 218th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 56.3% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Mauritania is Black Moors (Haratines - Arabic-speaking descendants of African origin who are or were enslaved) (40%) , followed by White Moors (Beydane - descendants of the Bani Hassan tribe) (30%) .
As of 2026, Muslim (official) is the largest religion in Mauritania, comprising 100% of the population.