Hodh Ech Chargui (Arabic: ولاية الحوض الشرقي, romanized: Wilāyat al-Ḥawḍ al-Sharqī, lit.

Its capital is Néma, but the largest town, in Bassiknou Department, is Fassala (or Vassale) at the extreme southeast of Mauritania, with 65,927 inhabitants at the 2013 census.

The Aoukar basin, which formerly gave name to a greater region, is located in the western part of Hodh Ech Chargui.

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

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.

[13] 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.

[15] Hodh Ech Chargui is divided into seven departments, listed below with their area and populations at the 2013 Census.