Mauritania’s overall Doing Business 2013 ranking is 167 out of 185 economies. Its overall score is 3 points lower compared to last year, reflecting lower scores in 9 out of 10 indicators.
According to the latest Enterprise Surveys (2006), Access to Finance, Practices of the Informal Sector, and Electricity represent the top 3 obstacles to running a business in Mauritania. Only 16.0% of firms have a line of credit or loan from a financial institution, compared to the regional average of 22.7%.
Mauritania’s economic freedom score is 53.0, making its economy the 131st freest in the 2012 Index. Its score has increased by 0.9 point since last year, with significant improvements in investment freedom, labor freedom, and business freedom; freedom from corruption declined. Mauritania is ranked 26th out of 46 countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and its overall score is below the world and regional averages.
Source: World Bank
Visa Information
Visas are required for all except nationals of Arab League countries and some African countries. In countries where Mauritania has no diplomatic representation, including Australia, French embassies will issue visas for around US$30. Visas can also be issued at the Moroccan border (€20).
Visas for onward travel
For information on embassies and consulates, see left.
Mali Visas are issued the same day (UM6500) and are valid for one month. You need two photos and a photocopy of the information pages of your passport.
Morocco Single-/double-entry visas cost UM5800/8700 and are issued in 48 hours. You need two photos and photocopies of your passport and air ticket.
Senegal One-month visas (UM1500) are issued in 24 hours. You need four photos.
Business Etiquette
General Business Hours
Although it’s a Muslim country, for business purposes Mauritania adheres to the Monday to Friday working week. Howe
