Nouakchott

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Nouakchott Capital of Mauritania, nw Africa, in the sw part of the country, c.8km (5mi) from the Atlantic Ocean. Originally a small fishing village, it was chosen as capital when Mauritania became independent in 1960. Nouakchott now has an international airport and is the site of modern storage facilities for petroleum. Light industries have been developed and handicrafts are important. Pop. (2000) 611,883.

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