Mauritania: History

The French gain control of the southern region of Mauritania and declare it as a colonial territory in 1904.

Mauritania becomes a part of the French West Africa.

Mauritania becomes a French overseas territory.

Mauritania becomes independent.

Mauritania and Morocco divide up Spanish Sahara, now known as Western Sahara, after Spain pulls out. 

Mauritania signs a peace agreement with the Polisario front and renounces its claim to Western Sahara. Morocco annexes Mauritania's former share of the territory.

The US cuts its development aid over Mauritania's treatment of its black population and its support for Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War.

The UN grants Mauritania food aid after severe locust infestations in 2004.

Mauritania is kicked out of the African Union and readmitted in 2007.

Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Algeria set up joint command to tackle threat of terrorism

Ould Abel AZIZ was reelected president in 2014.

Mohamed Cheikh EL GHAZOUANI was inaugurated as president.