Independence Day in 2024

When is Mauritania Independence Day?

Independence Day in Mauritania is a public holiday on November 28th.

It is the National Day of Mauritania and commemorates independence from France on November 28th 1960.

History of Mauritania Independence Day

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a country in Northwest Africa. The country derives its name from Berber tribes that migrated to the region from the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania.

Mauritania came under French control in the late 19th century as France expanded its influence in the area during the so-called 'scramble for Africa'. France established Mauritania as a colonial territory in 1904, though it wasn't until 1912 that local resistance was fully quelled.

Mauritania was part of French West Africa from 1920, initially as a protectorate and, then becoming a colony.

Like the other French territories in the region, Mauritania became increasingly autonomous after the end of the second world war. It became self-governing in 1958 and on November 28th 1960 it gained full independence from France, with Nouakchott as its capital and Moktar Ould Daddah as the first president.

On November 28th 2017, the 57th anniversary of independence, Mauritania adopted its new flag, which added two red stripes. The amendment to the design was part of changes in a referendum was held by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz in August of that year. The stripes represent "the efforts and sacrifices that the people of Mauritania will keep consenting, to the price of their blood, to defend their territory."