📖 About Nouadhibou

Nouadhibou is Mauritania's second-largest city and its economic capital, located on the Cape Blanc peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean. With approximately 120,000 residents, this port city serves as the terminus of the famous iron ore railway from the Saharan mines at Zouérat—one of the world's longest trains carrying millions of tons of iron ore annually. The city straddles the border with Western Sahara on the desolate peninsula.

The city is known for several striking features: the iron ore loading facilities, the ship graveyard (hundreds of vessels beached along the coast), and the Banc d'Arguin National Park nearby. Fishing—both industrial and artisanal—is major industry. The stark desert-meets-ocean landscape attracts adventurous travelers. The train journey from Zouérat (riding atop ore cars) is legendary among travelers. Nouadhibou offers raw authenticity—a working port city on Africa's edge where the Sahara meets the Atlantic.

Nouadhibou offers visitors ship graveyard, iron ore railway, desert-ocean scenery, and gateway to Banc d'Arguin.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Nouadhibou's economy is driven by iron ore and fishing. SNIM (national mining company) operates the railway and port facilities exporting millions of tons of iron ore. Industrial fishing, particularly by foreign fleets, is major industry. Fish processing employs workers. Artisanal fishing continues. The free zone aims to attract investment. Commerce serves the port city population. Economic challenges include overreliance on extractive industries and vulnerability to commodity prices. The economy is Mauritania's most important outside the capital.

Nouadhibou's culture is Mauritanian Arab-Berber with influences from its working-class and migrant population. Hassaniya Arabic is spoken; French is used commercially. Islam shapes daily life; the city observes conservative practices. The population includes Mauritanians from various regions and West African migrants. Traditional hospitality (tea ceremony) continues. Food includes fish, rice, and Mauritanian dishes. The culture is less traditional than interior cities—a port town mixing locals, workers, and transients. The ship graveyard and industrial facilities give the city a distinctive atmosphere.

📜 History

The Cape Blanc peninsula was sparsely inhabited by nomadic peoples. Spanish and later French colonial interest developed in the late 19th century. The town (then Port-Étienne) grew as fishing base. Iron ore discoveries at Zouérat in the 1950s transformed the city's importance; the railway opened in 1963.

Independence in 1960 brought Mauritanian sovereignty; the city was renamed Nouadhibou. The iron ore industry made it economically crucial. Fishing expanded with international agreements. The Western Sahara conflict (1970s-present) affected the region; Mauritania relinquished claims in 1979. The ship graveyard grew as vessels were abandoned. Today Nouadhibou continues as Mauritania's economic engine—iron ore and fish sustaining the desert port while tourism discovers its stark appeal.