From time immemorial the desert region of Mauritania has been a bridge between black Africa and Maghreb, with an original culture based on trans-Saharan trade and Islam. The desert cities of Ouadane, Chinguetti and Oualata were formerly the heralds of that culture. Nowadays they are simple villages threatened by the desert's advance but their family libraries still conceal many treasures dating from the time of their splendour.
Present day Mauritania, torn between its traditions and the call to modernity, is facing alot of challenges, like many developing countries. From the economic perspective, its mining resources are managed by a national company, unlike its rich fishing areas, which are close to overexploitation. The tourist industry was booming until the "Islamic" attacks which took place in late 2007 and put a halt to its growth.
The emergence of this inner enemy helped justify the slowing down of the difficult democratic process. Being a hub for the West, African emigration is an issue for the country, where the ethnical split has been traditionally clearly marked for generations. Nevertheless many local and international initiatives see the light. They aim at improving the Mauritanians' life conditions in sectors like health or education.
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