Mauritania | World Heritage Explorer

Mauritania has been a State Party to the World Heritage Convention since 1981. It is home to 2 World Heritage Sites. Its inscriptions include cultural and natural properties, representing a diverse heritage portfolio.

Mauritania as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention

State Party since: March 2, 1981

Status: Ratification

Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: None

Total of Mandate Years: 0

Total of Mandates: 0

WHC Electoral Group: V(b) (Arab States)

World Heritage Sites in Mauritania (2)

Cultural: 1 | Natural: 1 | Mixed: 0

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata · Cultural
Banc d'Arguin National Park · Natural

Map of World Heritage Sites

This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritania.

Tentative World Heritage Sites (3)

Paysage culturel d'Azougui · submitted: June 14, 2001
Site archéologique de Kumbi Saleh · submitted: June 14, 2001
Site archéologique de Tegdaoust · submitted: June 14, 2001

Source: UNESCO Tentative Lists

Country Profile Mauritania

Official Name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Continent: Africa

Subregion: Western Africa

UNESCO Region: Arab States

Capital: Nouakchott

Population (2024): 5,169,395

Land Area: 1,030,700 km²

Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU)

Country Data Sources

Links

UNESCO World Heritage Convention: State Party Mauritania

About States Parties

States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention. They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.

World Heritage Insights

How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.

World Heritage Info

Background

Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.

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