Nouakchott: The Heartbeat of Mauritania

• Helloالسلام عليكم
  [as-salamu alaykum]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryآسف
  [aasif]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'iinglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghib fi ru'iyat alqa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad 'an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iitasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iitasil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altaariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود شراء...
  [awad shar'a...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم ثمنها؟
  [kam thamanaha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsa'at alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsa'at al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالليل
  [allayl]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati alhaafilat alqaadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Nouakchott, the capital and largest city of Mauritania, was initially a small fishing village. The name 'Nouakchott' is derived from the Berber words 'Nawākšūṭ,' meaning 'place of winds' or 'place of the camel.' Although it was a modest settlement, its strategic location along the Atlantic coast made it significant even in its early days.

During the colonial period, Nouakchott was part of French West Africa. The French administration established several administrative outposts, but the region remained relatively underdeveloped. The colonial authorities did not foresee Nouakchott's future importance and focused their efforts on other parts of Mauritania.

Mauritania gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. In a strategic move, President Moktar Ould Daddah decided to develop Nouakchott as the new capital of the nascent nation. The city was chosen for its central location and relatively low population density, which provided a blank slate for development.

The 1970s and 1980s saw rapid urbanization in Nouakchott. Rural-to-urban migration surged as people sought better economic opportunities and fled from drought-stricken areas. The city's infrastructure struggled to keep pace with the influx, leading to informal settlements and strain on public services.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Nouakchott experienced economic growth driven by the fishing industry, mining, and oil exploration. The Port of Nouakchott became a significant hub for trade, further bolstering the city's economic standing. Modern buildings and infrastructure projects began to spring up, transforming the cityscape.

Nouakchott is not only the political and economic center of Mauritania but also a cultural hub. The city hosts numerous festivals, such as the Nouakchott International Film Festival and the Festival of Ancient Cities, celebrating the rich heritage and diversity of Mauritanian culture. The National Museum of Mauritania in Nouakchott showcases artifacts from the country's history, providing a glimpse into its past.

Despite its growth and development, Nouakchott faces several challenges, including environmental issues like desertification and flooding. The city is also grappling with social and economic disparities. Nonetheless, the resilience of its inhabitants and ongoing government efforts aim to address these challenges and ensure sustainable development.

Nouakchott is serviced by Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), which is approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. The airport receives flights from major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to get to the city. Alternatively, long-distance buses and shared taxis are available if you're arriving from other parts of Mauritania or neighboring countries.

Within Nouakchott, the primary modes of transportation are taxis and buses. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed from the street or booked via phone. Public buses are also available, though they can be crowded and schedules may be erratic. Car rentals are another option, although driving can be challenging due to local traffic conditions and road quality. It's advisable to use taxis or hire a driver if you're unfamiliar with the area.

The official currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Nouakchott, but it's wise to carry sufficient cash, particularly when traveling to more remote areas. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check the current rate before exchanging money.

Nouakchott is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur. Some neighbourhoods to be cautious in include El Mina and Sebkha, which have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings. It's advisable to register with your embassy upon arrival.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Nouakchott has several hospitals and clinics, but the quality of care can vary. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak French. For serious issues, evacuation to a country with more advanced medical facilities may be necessary.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, as Mauritania is a predominantly Muslim country. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their shoulders. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. During prayer times, avoid loud noises and be respectful of people praying. Public Transport: Do be patient, as public transport can be crowded. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you). Don’t be offended if people don’t shake hands with the opposite sex, as it may be culturally inappropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like thieboudienne (fish and rice) and mechoui (roast lamb). Don’t eat with your left hand, as it is considered unclean.

To experience Nouakchott like a local, visit the bustling Central Market (Marché Capitale) where you can buy fresh produce, textiles, and traditional crafts. Engage with locals who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss a visit to the Port de Pêche, where you can see colorful fishing boats and buy fresh seafood. For a unique cultural experience, attend a traditional music performance, often held in local cafes and cultural centers.