Mauritania Population 2026
As of 2025, the population of Mauritania stands at 5,169,395, reflecting a steady demographic expansion in this Lower middle income country. Situated in Sub-Saharan Africa, the nation continues to experience robust growth, with a 1-year growth rate of 2.93%. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate has been 2.99%, positioning Mauritania as the 125th most populous country globally.
Population Trend (Mauritania)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Mauritania's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Mauritania's population dynamics are characterized by sustained high growth, typical of many Sub-Saharan African nations. With a 1-year growth rate of 2.93% and a 10-year average of 2.99%, the population has nearly doubled in the last 25 years, driven by high fertility rates and declining mortality. As a Lower middle income economy, the country faces challenges in urban infrastructure and resource allocation to keep pace with its growing population, particularly in the capital, Nouakchott, and other urban centers.
Key Facts
- Mauritania's latest population in 2025 is 5,169,395.
- The country has a 1-year population growth rate of 2.93% as of 2025.
- Over the last 10 years, Mauritania's average annual population growth rate was 2.99%.
- Mauritania ranks 125th in the world by population size.
- The country is classified as Lower middle income and is part of the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
- If the current growth rate continues, Mauritania's population could exceed 6.7 million by 2035.