A country in northwestern Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean, in the Sahel zone. Mauritania is mostly covered by the sands of Sahara (in more than 80%). It is the fourth most sensitive country in the world in terms of climate changes. The recurring cycles of long-term drought (resulting in degradation of natural resources) and the aggravating water deficit additionally contribute to lack of food safety, from which the country suffers. Although it is populated by only 4.4 million people, it is a classic example of the problem of hunger caused by poverty and insufficient production of food.

Overview:

• one of the poorest countries in the world – in some of its regions, people live off less than 1.25 USD per day
• due to the food deficit, the country has to import 70% of its food
• 21% of children below 5 years of age suffer from chronic malnutrition
• 8% of the population in the dry season – which lasts even 6 months – copes with lack of food security