Mauritania: Nouakchott – the capital of Mauritania

While being the seventh largest country in Africa by territory, Mauritania is one of the poorest with the per capita income putting it in the 160th place globally. Almost half of the country’s 3 million people leave in Nouakchott (try pronouncing it a few times), which is the old Berber name for “place of the winds”. Economy of the city is almost 90% small marketplace transactions between individuals, which was on display walking around the city – everybody selling something, not much organization, things are haphazard and messy, streets are trashy, buildings in collapsing condition. People weren’t particularly friendly and police made me delete some pictures with people on them. Traffic is hectic, and the old Mercedes taxis are literally falling apart in front of your eyes – no lights remaining, no bumpers, holes in frames and so on. No tourism here whatsoever… But a great must-see experience nonetheless – contrasts – this is what traveling is all about! © Copyright Rus Margolin/All rights reserved.