Population: 3,893,775 (2017)

Density: 3.78 inhabitants/km²

Growth Rate: 2.8%

Population Distribution: 70% Maure, 30% Other African groups

Mauritania is a multiethnic society where 70% of the population comprises people of Maure ethnicity, sharing a common language and culture. The remaining 30% consists of other African groups and Mauritanians. The Maure people, who form the ethnic majority, are themselves divided into two distinct groups: the White Maures, also known as "Beydanes," and the Black Maures, called "Haratines." The former are descendants of Arab-Berber conquerors, while the latter descend from Black slaves that the Beydanes historically captured. As for the other African groups, they include the Halpoulaar, Soninke, Wolof, and Bambara peoples.

Since Mauritania's independence on November 28, 1960, the Maure have governed the country. However, despite being fewer in number, the other African populations demonstrate greater demographic dynamism, creating a source of tension between these two groups that have repeatedly clashed. Indeed, Mauritania has witnessed interethnic confrontations, the most violent occurring in 1989 and 1990, which triggered the exodus of thousands of Africans to neighboring countries such as Senegal and Mali.

Regarding age distribution, there is a marked decline in percentages as age increases. According to data from the World Bank in 2016, people aged 0 to 14 years constitute 38% of the total population. Those between 15 and 24 years represent 19% of the total population. Those aged 25 to 54 years make up 32% of the total inhabitants. People aged 55 to 64 years account for only 4.61% of the population, and those over 65 years constitute just 3.71% of the total population.