Mauritania has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades. In the early 1960s, following its independence, the country's population was estimated at around 850,000. Since then, it has grown significantly, reaching approximately 4.9 million by 2023, according to United Nations estimates. This growth has been driven by a relatively high birth rate, despite challenges such as arid climate, limited arable land, and periodic droughts that have influenced patterns of urbanization and migration. The majority of Mauritania’s population now resides in urban areas, particularly in the capital, Nouakchott, as rural inhabitants move to cities in search of better economic opportunities and services. The population growth has placed increasing pressure on infrastructure, education, and health services, making sustainable development a key priority for the country’s future.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,005,595 | 1 |
| 1955 | 1,053,003 | 1 |
| 1960 | 1,117,376 | 1.1 |
| 1965 | 1,195,012 | 1.2 |
| 1970 | 1,289,420 | 1.3 |
| 1975 | 1,404,403 | 1.4 |
| 1980 | 1,544,909 | 1.5 |
| 1985 | 1,723,466 | 1.7 |
| 1990 | 1,924,978 | 1.9 |
| 1995 | 2,234,790 | 2.2 |
| 2000 | 2,500,820 | 2.4 |
| 2005 | 2,837,310 | 2.8 |
| 2010 | 3,202,968 | 3.1 |
| 2015 | 3,592,075 | 3.5 |
| 2020 | 3,997,059 | 3.9 |
| 2022 | 4,161,925 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4,244,878 | 4.1 |
| 2024 | 4,328,040 | 4.2 |
| 2025 | 4,411,326 | 4.3 |
| 2030 | 4,829,890 | 4.7 |
| 2035 | 5,249,163 | 5.1 |
| 2040 | 5,665,182 | 5.5 |
| 2045 | 6,072,947 | 5.9 |
| 2050 | 6,467,891 | 6.3 |
| 2055 | 6,849,564 | 6.6 |
| 2060 | 7,216,189 | 7 |
| 2065 | 7,560,600 | 7.3 |
| 2070 | 7,877,072 | 7.6 |
| 2075 | 8,161,344 | 7.9 |
| 2080 | 8,410,516 | 8.2 |
| 2085 | 8,622,386 | 8.4 |
| 2090 | 8,794,628 | 8.5 |
| 2095 | 8,924,543 | 8.7 |
| 2100 | 9,009,832 | 8.7 |
Data from US Census International Database