Capital: Nouakchott
Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region)
and 1 capital district*; Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou,
Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri,
Nouakchott*, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Constitution: 12 July 1991
Legal system: a combination of Shari'a (Islamic law) and French civil law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid
Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984)
head of government: Prime Minister Cheik El Avia Ould Mohamed KHOUNA (since 17 November 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers