Mauritania in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Hassaniya Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Rosso, Taya, Sanhadja, Almoravids, Sudanic Kingdoms

This is a professionally-formatted, free flowing ebook reproduction of unique, up-to-date guides produced by the Department of Defense that provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Mauritania, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHY * Geographic Divisions and Topographic Features * Climate * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * Nouakchott * Nouadhibou * Rosso, Bogue, and Kaedi * Hazards * Environmental Issues * CHAPTER 2: HISTORY * The Western Sahara: Migrations and Trade * The Sanhadja Confederation and the Almoravids * The Sudanic Kingdoms * Arabs and Moors * Early European Contacts * French Pacification of Mauritania * The Later French Colonial Era * Independence and Unification * The Western Sahara Conflict * The Salek and Haidalla Regimes * Mauritania Under Taya * The Fall of Taya * The Third Republic * Recent Events * CHAPTER 3: ECONOMY * Agriculture * Industry * Energy Resources * Mineral Resources * Trade * Tourism * Banking and Currency * Investment * Transportation * Standard of Living Organizations * CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY * Ethnic and Linguistic Groups * Moors * Black Africans * Language Policy * Religion * Gender Issues * Obesity * Marriage, Polygamy, and Divorce * Traditional Clothing * Arts * Music * Film * Sports and Recreation * CHAPTER 5: SECURITY * U.S.-Mauritanian Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Morocco/Western Sahara * Senegal * Mali * Algeria * Military * Terrorist Groups and Activities * Other Issues Affecting Stability * Political Instability * Ethnic Conflict * CHAPTER 1: PROFILE * Geography * Area * Climate * Geographical Divisions and Topographical Features * Saharan Zone * Sahelian Zone * Senegal River Valley Zone * Coastal Zone * Rivers and Lakes * Senegal River * Gorgol River * Karakoro River * Lake Rkiz * Major Cities and Towns * Nouakchott * Nouadhibou * Kaedi * Kiffa * Zouerate * Nema * History * Early History * European Involvement * Independence * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic Groups * CHAPTER 2: RELIGION * Overview of Major Religions * Role of Religion in Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Conventions and Gender Roles * Religious Events * Religious Holidays * Eid al-Fitr * Eid al-Adha * Mawlid * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS * Honor and Values * Formulaic Codes of Politeness * Male/Female Interaction * Changing Social Norms * Eating Habits/Types of Food * Dress Codes * Hospitality and Gift-Giving * Non-Religious Celebrations * Dos and Don'ts * CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE * Urbanization Issues * Work Problems in Urban Areas * Urban Healthcare * Education and Schools in Cities * Restaurants * Urban Traffic and Transportation * Street Crime and Solicitations * CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE * Tribal Distribution * Land Distribution/ Ownership * Rural Economy * Agriculture * Oasis Farming * Herding * Rural Transportation Issues * Health Issues * Available Schooling * Village Life * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * CHAPTER 6: FAMILY LIFE * Household and Family Structure * Status of Elders, Adolescents, and Children * Elders * Adolescents * Children * Married Life, Divorce, Birth * Married Life * Divorce * Birth * Family Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Rites of Passage