Transport

Unexploded landmines have made many of Mauritania's border areas unsafe, particularly in the Western Sahara region. Keep in mind that in sandstorms, landmines have been known to move. About transport, stay on well-traveled routes at all times. This is one of the things to know before traveling to Mauritania.

In Mauritania, landmines aren't the only danger for vehicles; poor road conditions, a lack of vehicle maintenance, and inadequate local driving norms all contribute to a high rate of accidents. Due to the potential of shifting sand dunes and collisions with other cars and animals, driving at night is extremely dangerous. Taxis and public transit are extremely dangerous for Westerners due to the likelihood of kidnapping and terrorist strikes. In 2010, Mauritania has 450 kilometers of highway linking Nouakchott and Nouadhibou along a coastline route.

In terms of transport, highway connecting Nouakchott and Rosso is being built (due for completion in 2012). Only roughly 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles) of surfaced roads, 710 kilometers (440 miles) of unsurfaced highways, and 5,140 kilometers (3,190 miles) of unimproved rails exist in Mauritania. Because of the country's vastness and severe environment, road maintenance and repair are particularly difficult.