Social etiquette

Social etiquette is one of Mauritanian Culture, Customs and Etiquette that you should know before visiting this African country. During conversations, there is usually relatively little personal space. An arm's length is usually a good starting point, however individuals of the same sex will typically pull you closer to chat with you. This is a privilege granted to friends, and many will do it to express that they consider you a friend, or wish to be. People will also do this when they ask you for something.

There is always space between members of the opposite sex, and when you are a visitor, you will normally be sitting by yourself somewhere, and that level of space is unusual and reflects how important they believe you are. However, many parts of daily living in do not allow for much space.

In general, members of the opposite sex do not touch. Although some males may shake the hands of foreign women in a business setting, this differs by region. Moors from the north rarely, if ever, touch women, whereas Pulaar and Woloof males from the south are less conservative.

While chatting, there is a lot of touching between members of the same sex. Holding hands is a normal occurrence that indicates nothing other than friendship. Traditional spiritual medicine practitioners have authority based on their local experience and value system.