School life
In a Mauritania classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Mauritania
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalNouakchott
- Population~4.9 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Abidjan (UTC +0)
- CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Mauritania, with Nouakchott marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Nouakchott
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Mauritania a bit special.
Eye of the Sahara
Giant rings carved into the desert - visible from space
Open lesson
Sahara Desert Dunes
The world's largest hot desert - mostly in Mauritania
Open lesson
Adrar Plateau
Ancient cliffs, hidden oases, and camel caravans
Open lesson
Chinguetti Ancient Library Town
A UNESCO desert city filled with ancient manuscripts
Open lesson
The Iron-Ore Train
One of the world's longest trains - crossing the Sahara
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🦩
Banc d'Arguin National Park
A UNESCO haven where millions of migratory birds gather
Open lesson
- 🦊
Fennec Fox
The Sahara's tiny big-eared night hunter
Open lesson
- 🦌
Addax Antelope
A pale desert wanderer with spiral horns
Open lesson
- 🐆
Saharan Cheetah
The world's rarest and most mysterious big cat
Open lesson
- 🐪
Camel Racing
Speed, tradition, and excitement across the desert sands
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!Arabic
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹMauritania has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Mauritania?
Choose Mauritaniawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.