Mauritania comprises a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures, and its paths of political, economic, and social development have proven challenging. In the midst of severe environmental pressures, regional instabilities, internal divisions of race, ethnicity, and tribe, and wide inequality, Mauritania has nonetheless undergone significant transition and experienced tangible economic growth since 2000. Recent years have brought a fragile sense of stability, but enormous challenges remain.

Historical Dictionary of Mauritania, Fourth Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section contains cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as aspects of the country's politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Mauritania.