The net enrollment ratio of girls for secondary level was 7.00 per cent, net enrollment ratio of boys for secondary level was 7.20 per cent, and total net enrollment ratio at secondary level was 7.10 per cent.

[8] Mauritania is mostly covered with desert, with only its western regions around the coast of Atlantic Ocean having some vegetation.

Since it is a desert, there are large shifting dunes forming temporary ranges.

The rainfall in the northern regions closer to the Tropic of Cancer receives around 100 mm (3.9 in) of annual rainfall compared to the southern portions that receives around 660 mm (26 in).

In modern times, people have migrated to urban centers during the drought in the 1970s and the early 1980s.

Research has indicated that the Saharan movement has resulted in reduction of rains in the region from the 1960s, when it received close to 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall.

[11] Mauritania has been divided into 13 wilayas (regions), including the Nouakchott Capital District.

The communes are responsible for overseeing and coordinating development activities and are financed by the state.

The Local Governments have their own legal jurisdiction, financial autonomy, an annual budget, staff, and an office.