[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh] 
| 1. | Official name, Islamic Republic of Mauritania. a republic in W Africa, largely in the Sahara Desert: formerly a French colony; a member of the French Community 1958–66; independent 1960. 2,411,317; 418,120 sq. mi. (1,082,931 sq. km). Capital: Nouakchott. |
| 2. | Mauretania. |
[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh] | an ancient kingdom in NW Africa: it included the territory that is modern Morocco and part of Algeria. |
Mau·ri·ta·ni·a (môr'ĭ-tā'nē-ə, -tān'yə, mär'-)  (click for larger image in new window) A country of northwest Africa bordering on the Atlantic Ocean. Southern Mauritania was part of the ancient empire of Ghana, and the northern part was settled by Berbers c. 1000. The area later formed part of the Mali Empire (flourished 14th century) and was visited by European traders after the 15th century. French influence over the region lasted from the early 1800s until independence was achieved in 1960. Nouakchott is the capital and the largest city. Population: 3,270,000. Mau'ri·ta'ni·an adj. & n. |
ɪˈteɪ