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Mauritania
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Mauritania
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 1,030,700 sq km
Entirely desert apart from the north bank of the Senegal River on its southern border.
Population: 3,365,675 Annual Growth: 2.43%
Capital: Nouakchott
Urbanites: 41.4%
HDI Rank: 154 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 19 (74% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Arabic; the Hassaniya dialect is used as the vernacular for two-thirds of the population. French is the language of government and commerce Languages: 8 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim
| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 8,414 | 0.25 | 2.4 |
| Evangelicals | 2,081 | 0.1 | 6.7 |
| Muslim | 3,357,261 | 99.75 |
Challenges for Prayer
Political issues are historical and highly charged, although the elected government is widely seen as progressing forward. Despite slavery being illegal, allegations of slavery persist, and thousands are thought to live in such circumstances. Interethnic and intertribal tensions remain from past violence over the White Moor-dominated government seizing Black African lands and livestock. Pray for justice for all who have been oppressed.
Expatriate Christians in Mauritania are few. Most are from various West African countries working at menial jobs, although some work as professionals. Others work in diplomatic services, development and commerce. Expatriate Protestants are petitioning the government for legal protection from sporadic police harassment in certain precincts. Expatriates suspected of proselytizing Mauritanians are subject to harassment, interrogation, brief imprisonment, expulsion and even murder. The murder of a foreign Christian by Islamic terrorists in 2009, as well as extremist activities, have led to many expatriate believers leaving the country. Pray that the lives of Christians might clearly demonstrate the love of Jesus. Pray also that the Lord might grant them wisdom, protection and make them powerful witnesses for His name.
For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Mauritania.
