The region borders the Mauritanian regions of Adrar to the north, Hodh Ech Chargui to the east, Hodh El Gharbi and Assaba to the south and Brakna to the west.

The Aoukar basin, which formerly gave name to the greater region, is located in the southern part of Tagant.

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

In modern times, people have migrated to urban centres 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.

[10] Tagant is divided into 3 departments, namely, Moudjeria, Tichit and Tidjikja.

[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.