Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Mauritania. Initially, we tried kicking the mounds of iron piled in the center of the wagon into the surrounding water, but quickly realized the iron was obviously not absorbing any of it (just turned to slush). Shortly after, we learned that no trains were expected to stop in Choum that evening. [1][2] It consists of a single, 704-kilometre (437mi) railway line linking the iron mining centre of Zourat with the port of Nouadhibou, via Fderik and Choum. Official name: Islamic Republic of MauritaniaCapital city: NouakchottPopulation: 4,005,475Area: 1,030,700 sq kmMajor languages: Arabic, Pular, Soninke, Wolof, FrenchTime zone: UTC 0 (Greenwich Mean Time) Source: CIA World Fact Book, 1. Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is the 11th largest sovereign state in Africa. . And by 12:35am we quickly disembarked, leaving with an experience well have a hard time forgetting for the rest of our lives. In 1984, a coup brought Colonel Maaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya to power. In 2012, it was estimated that 10% to 20% of the population still lived in slavery. Mauritania passed a law to abolish slavery only in 1981. As the graph below shows, over the past 8 years this indicator reached a maximum value of 10,674 in 2004 and a minimum value of 7,536 in 2010. A mining center was constructed at Zouerate together with port facilities at Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast, and both centers were linked by a railway line 700 km long. One of the longest trains in the world is found in Mauritania. We cut open three water bottles and used them to scoop out as much water as possible before we leveled off the mounds. A mining center was constructed at Zouerate together with port facilities at Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast, and both centers were linked by a railway line 700 km long. We were told that it does not usually arrive before 19:00, but that it can really come whenever. Initially, our tour with Hademine was supposed to end there. Geographically part of the Maghreb, Mauritania borders Algeria, Senegal and Mali, along with the disputed territory of Western Sahara . We cut open three water bottles and used them to scoop out as much water as possible before we leveled off the mounds. During this journey, it connects more than 7,172 stations across India. [7] Passenger cars are sometimes attached to freight trains, but more often passengers simply ride atop the ore hopper cars freely. The deal would have saved the company the cost of constructing their own tracks and facilities. 3. About 550 kilometers of the tracks run on frozen earth, the longest in any of the world's plateau railways. 21 17 52.76 N, 13 02 51.36 W. Authority control. When it passes through towns it slows down allowing passengers to disembark and others to hop aboard. For those who can afford to spare $3 for a ticket, the journey isnt anymore comfortable. The train does not make any official stops from Nouadhibou to Choum, but the train does stop for prayers. The Iron-ore Train or Train du Desert is frequently 2.3km long when it travels from the iron ore mines at Zourat to Noudhibou. Source: Lonely Planet, 24. So after a 2 hour nap by midnight and 15km away from our destination, we packed up everything in our wagon and tried to leave no trace behind. In Mauritania, you will be able to see plenty of things such as rock paintings, Ben Amera, endangered . We began inNouadhibou where we picked up some supplies for the epic train journey ahead. After gaining self-governance in 1958, Mauritania gained full independence in 1960. Death from falls is common. ATTM). It doesnt matter if youre eastbound or westboundwhat matters is that this train ride truly embodies the idiom that its all about the journey, not the destination. The wagons were filled with watersomething none of us were expecting. Fact #1 - The full length of the Trans-Siberian Railway is 9,288 km The main Trans-Siberian route stretches from the Russian capital of Moscow all the way to Vladivostok, the largest city in Russia's Far East. Mauritania includes part of the largest desert in the world. British nationals in Mauritania requiring consular assistance . Quizzes. Once your vehicle is on the train, you can decide to travel inside it, on top of the ore, or a combination of the two. 22.1% of Mauritanias population live in poverty. If that's not enough, click over to our collection of world maps and flags. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. On the way to Choum, we each bought one in Atar. The blankets are relatively expensive. The newly completed Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags 1,142 kilometers across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges. mauritania, nouadibou, aerial view of cargo train riding through desert - mauritania railway stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Mauritania is home to the Richat Structure, sometimes referred to as Eye of the Sahara or the Eye of Africa. There was no ore in our car when we boarded, which allowed us to get the best views when climbing up the ladder while still having room to move and use the walls of the car to protect us from the wind. We were not prepared for this; we ignorantly just figured the train always stops in Choum. The blankets are relatively expensive. In the late 1960s, the government sought to make Arab culture dominant. Blog. 9. 2. Although he could not make any guarantees, he agreed to make some calls. Its sun-scorched during the day and bitterly cold at night, and youd better prepare for both, as there is no shelter on the train, unless you brought your own vehicle to hunker down in. Operating since 1963, the Iron Ore Train - Train du Desert in Mauritania - is a train that connects the iron ore mines in the town of Zourat, located deep into the Sahara, with the port of Nouadhibou, located on the Atlantic coast. This discussion focuses on the history of Mauritania since European contact. Overnight: iron ore train (approximately 13 to 15 hours). Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. We were told that it does not usually arrive before 19:00, but that it can really come whenever. Pack some food and lots of waterpack more water than you think you might need. The journey is long and miserable. Over the decades as the industry evolved, many new iron ore deposits were discovered in the region and half a dozen or so communities sprang up along the railway tracks. Little did we know, this would change everything. Low rainfall this year left more than a million people . It is one of the longest and heaviest trains in the world and with its 3km length, the train took at least 10 minutes to whiz by us before stopping. But, do plan to arrive in Choum early. train route across Mauritania, along which iron ore is transported to the port. The train stretches for 2.5 kilometers. It was designated as the country's capital only in 1960 and is therefore one of the world's newest capitals. Some passengers will get off the train to perform the ritual and get back on as soon as the train starts jolting forward. Depending on the time of year, it can get quite cold at night (todays low was 6C or 43F, plus windchill from the moving train). According to the UK Foreign Office, Mauritania is one of 17 countries deemed to be entirely unsafe for tourists to visit in 2020 due to the risk of terrorism. Source:The Telegraph, 18. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. There are two types of blankets for sale (they are identical from town to town)one cheaper in quality, and the other better in quality. Mauritania's economic freedom score is 55.3, making its economy the 119th freest in the 2022 Index. Since we sat in open top cars, we brought tons of blankets and were all wrapped up warm with good scarves to protect our faces from the sand and dust blowing in our direction by the train. It conveyed passengers, wool and general goods, as well as being used to transport defence supplies during the Second World War. The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara 2018 12 m IMDb RATING 8.8 /10 51 YOUR RATING Rate Documentary Short Journey of a 700 km. A 3 feet, 6 inch (1067mm) gauge railway between Port Hedland and Marble Bar was officially opened in 1911, although regular services did not commence until July 1912. 2. Straight ahead. In 2020, SNIM delivered 12.501 million tonnes of iron ore to the market, an increase of 4% compared to its sales in 2019. Easy drive. 12. The Mauritanian Iron Ore Train is one of the most unique and incredible train journeys one can take. How to say Mauritania with audio by Macmillan Dictionary. Tanggula Railway Station, 5,068 meters above sea level, is the highest railway station in the world. Winner will be selected at random on 12/01/2022. Mauritania became the last country in the world to abolish slavery when the practice was finally banned in 1981. There are two types of blankets for sale (they are identical from town to town)one cheaper in quality, and the other better in quality. I then consciously convinced myself to go even a step further, walk off alone, and give myself some much needed me-time. 11. Although he could not make any guarantees, he agreed to make some calls. I can assure you that public transportation is limited in Choum ; ). At 2pm we headed out to the train station outside the city limits of Nouadibou to board the famous Mauritania mineral iron ore train! This time the wagons are empty, which makes the outbound journey slightly more bearable. Since the closure of the Choum Tunnel, a 5km (3.1mi) section of the railway cuts through the Polisario Front-controlled part of the Western Sahara (.mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}212118N 130046W / 21.354867N 13.012644W / 21.354867; -13.012644). With a population close to fifty thousand, Zourat is not a small town either. 2022 Atlas Obscura. However, I got uncomfortable splitting off alone, after which I actually thought out loud to myself: Cmon man, do what makes you uncomfortable. AND THAT IS THE FRIEND WHO GAVE ME ADVICE ABOUT IT. Most people hop off (or get on) at Choum, a few hours away from Mauritanias capital Nouakchott, with a fair amount of traffic going either way on any given day. For the people living in these settlements, the train is their only link to civilization. [Note: There is an actual train station in Choum. The name Mauritania originates from the ancient kingdom of Mauretania which itself derives from Mauri (meaning Moors), the Berber-speaking people of northwest Africa Source: CIA World Fact Book, 3. There are at least 4 of these trains running on 2 tracks covering 437 miles (704 kilometers) on its journey across the Sahara Desert from Nouadhibou, on the coast, to Zourat, an iron mine in the center of Mauritania. And when it does, you only have minutes to pick out a good wagon and hop onwe were advised to inspect the wheels and levels of iron ore. Also, we were advised to pick a wagon towards the very back of the train (to avoid having to walk 1+ km after arriving in Nouadhibou). 1. Walking around along the train is allowed in the sense that no-one is checking, but it can be dangerous as there are no barriers, emergency brakes, or, in fact, safety measures of any kind. Geography in Mauritania. Major religion Islam. [8], In October 2010, SNIM ordered six EMD SD-70ACS locomotives, which featured a pulse filtration system, movable sand plows, EM2000 control system and FIRE display system together with similar modifications to allow for operations in high temperatures.[9]. A fair amount of waiting time should, therefore, be expected. Consisting of more than 200 carriages and three or four locomotives, the train can reach over a mile (about 2.5 to three kilometers) in length and carry 17,000 tons of iron ore, making it one of the longest and heaviest trains in the world. There is also no way to stock up on your food supplies. Strategic Mauritania Railways import market intelligence. As of 1 January 2017, the population of Mauritania was estimated to be 4,220,883 people. Its journey begins in Zouerat,. And 10 minutes later Im sitting with 3 strangers both finding and becoming serendipity. It is not clear what time the train leaves and arrives. 1. Depending on the time of year, it can get quite cold at night (todays low was 6C or 43F, plus windchill from the moving train). As a result, only one bullet train derailed that day. More information about the video content bellow: 1. The road is paved. Anyways if you plan on taking the train in the other direction sitting on TOP of the iron ore . A section of a historic wooden trestle viaduct is preserved next to the railway line it once carried. Per Hademine, for whatever reason, they have been adding water to the wagons in recent weekssomething else to keep in mind! Fortunately for us, he pulled through. Area 1.04 million sq km (398,000 sq miles) Major languages Arabic (official), French, others. Blankets are a must. You have to climb in, but there is a ladder on one side. If you are traveling with someone else, and do not mind sharing, one better quality blanket for two people is enough (the blankets are huge). Some men take this opportunity to jump out, relieve themselves and race back before the train speeds up again. As the leading country in gun ownership (with Yemen second), the U.S. owns almost half of all firearms globally, at around 45%. This railway not only helps drive half the economy of Mauritania, it is also the sole connection to the outside world for the people who live along its route. . Best Time To Travel to Mauritania. With Hademines help, we hunted down the chief of the train station, and paid him a visit at his home. 2020 operational and financial results. Normally, the journey from Choum to Nouadhibou is overnight (but, since we did not leave Choum until 04:45, we spent almost the entire ride under the sun). But iron isnt the only thing this beast of a train typically carries. All rights reserved. I suggest bringing empty water bottles in case you need to do the same. Day 2: Terjit to Choum with a stop in Atar (approximately 2 hours). Read More, The most interesting facts about Palau, from millions of harmless jellyfish to stone monoliths known Hademine mentioned this has been happening a lot in recent weeks/monthssomething to keep in mind! The total traffic averages 16.6 million tons per year. Join Macmillan Dictionary on Twitter and Facebook for daily word facts, quizzes and language news. The state agency Socit Nationale Industrielle et Minire (National Mining and Industrial Company, SNIM . Easy drive. After spending the day waiting, we were gutted when the iron ore train just passed us by and did not stop. It just so happens that the 3 were discussing whether to take the train, so when I mentioned that I had just gotten off the train earlier this morning and that it was one of the most life affirming experiences I ever had on my travels, that sealed the deal for them: They were going to get on the train. The most extraordinary locations we discovered this year. The most interesting facts about Lebanon, from one of the worlds oldest countries to a Images, top tourist attractions and famous people of Mauritania. Initially, our tour with Hademine was supposed to end there. Mauritania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 40% of its population below poverty line. Towns and settlements are separated by vast stretches of inhospitable desert. Mauritania has desert or southern steppe climate. If they get up very early the next morning, they will find a rooster on the roof and they can keep him. And when it does, you only have minutes to pick out a good wagon and hop onwe were advised to inspect the wheels and levels of iron ore. Also, we were advised to pick a wagon towards the very back of the train (to avoid having to walk 1+ km after arriving in Nouadhibou). You always tell others to do the same so you might as well own up to your words and practice what you preach! (yes I really thought this to myself as I tore myself away from the group who was walking the other direction). During the 15-minute stop, there is a rush to load the wagons with cargo, because the train doesnt wait for the passengers to finish loading. Get to Nouadhibou, Choum, or Zourat in advance. [Note: There are two camps. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Try to pick a car near the passenger car because this is where you'll want to be when you get out in Choum. It is now one of the country's main exports. Cartons of apples and oranges, bottles of water are stacked meters high. Open Dictionary. Understand And, have a back-up plan! SNIM iron ore train at Nouadhibou station, Mauritania, Five ancient libraries, little changed for centuries, preserve a medieval archive of Quranic lore and civic documents. Ask around, especially if you want to get your vehicle on board. The Mauritania Railway is the national railway of Mauritania. The tourist route is typically operated by a locomotive carrying two passenger carriages. When a child loses a tooth their parents tell them to wrap up their tooth in a small piece of cloth and throw it as hard as they can on to the roof of their house. The country is 3.3 times bigger than Poland. The wagons were filled with watersomething none of us were expecting. Mauritania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 40% of its population below poverty line. 10. We basically begged (and incentivized) him to call the conductor of the next train (that was expected to arrive after 04:00) to have it stopa first for him! Departure: When the train arrives just jump into the back of one of the cars. The most interesting facts about Mauritania, from the last country in the world to abolish slavery to the worlds longest train. The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara follows the journey of Malick, a 27 year-old merchant who relies on the train for his livelihood, even as he risks death . The UNESCO-listed Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata are four ancient towns founded in the 11th and 12th centuries to serve the trade routes that began crossing the Sahara. Source: UNESCO, 19. One is located at the oasis, and the other (Chez Jamal) is just a quick walk away. Not counting the waiting time, it takes approximately 19 hours to cover the whole distance. Said to be the same as. We basically begged (and incentivized) him to call the conductor of the next train (that was expected to arrive after 04:00) to have it stopa first for him! If you leave early enough, you could technically just drive directly from Nouakchott to Choum. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. 700 km. It measures almost three kilometers long. The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott, which means "place of the winds.". But at least the passengers have a working toilet. Resources. There are some train rides that youll never forget. And if you love stars, youre going to love them here. We bought cases of water and snacks in Nouakchott (also widely available in Atar). Travel Facts Locator Map View Details Introduction Background The Berber and Bafour people were among the first to settle in what is now Mauritania. America has more guns than people. It only became punishable by law in 2007. 10. The road is paved. Trains on the railway are up to 3 kilometres (1.9mi) in length,[6] making them among the longest and heaviest in the world. The Mauritania Railway, consists of a single 704 km railway line linking the iron mining centre of Zouerat with the port of Nouadhibou. Q802901. Bear in mind that there are no paved roads. Capital: Nouakchott. In 2014, the mining company Glencore paid $1 billion for 18 years of access to SNIM's rail and port infrastructure, which would be connected to branch lines to new iron mines at Askaf and Guelb El Aouj. And we found it in. Mauritania Gains Independence . The open-air top provides no respite from the scorching heat of the day and the frigid air of the night. About 70% of the total cost of the railway line (USD 970 . No car? The iron ore is like fine sand that gets constantly blown in the face. This same David Yang (whom I first met in the Marshall Islands last year!) But, do plan to arrive in Choum early. With an area of 1,030,000 square kilometers (400,000 square miles), Mauritania is the 28th largest country in the world, and the 11th largest in Africa. For a more complete treatment of the country in its regional context, see western Africa, history of. 10 minutes ago I was debating whether to go off on my own, even forcibly convincing myself to get over my fears to explore the town alone instead of stay with the group. The train worked out great. rail transport in Mauritania. Mauritania formed part of the Dakar Rally, first held in 197879 and covering nearly 15,000km between Southern Europe and Senegal. Hitchhiking on this train and sitting atop a bed of iron ore is not an easy ride, but it can be the train ride of a lifetime. This is almost exactly what I saw (with more stars) through my naked eye whenever I looked up and took off my goggles: While we had expected the train would make its usual delays and arrive to Choum about either 13 or 18 hours after our departure at 3:30pm from Nouadhibou, we lucked out with very efficient train conductors who got us into Choum only 9 hours later at 12:30am! One is located at the oasis, and the other (Chez Jamal) is just a quick walk away. The Mauritania Railway is a 704-kilometer lifeline linking the iron-mining centre of Zouerat with the port of Nouadhibou. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us. Mauritania has a generally flat territory with vast plains . 3. with 200 carriages, 3-4 locomotives, weighing up to 84 tons, capable of carrying 17,000 tons of iron ore, and operating all 365 days of the year since 1963. [citation needed], In January 2019, the railway resumed tourism after a ten-year hiatus; part of the track ran through a forbidden tourist area. Imagine a European rail carriage from the 1970s, stripped of everything of any value: doors, glass, seats, cushioning, lights, toilet bowl, wrote Hugh Carveth. And those of you who are lighter sleepers, good luck as carriages slam into one another constantly and unexpectedly throughout the journey in a way where we called it the sonic boom. (And yet through all of it I was still able to sneak in 2 hours of sleep). Passengers include locals, merchants, and occasionally some adventure tourists. And keep in mind there is NO HORN so you have no idea when the train will immediately start again after stopping, whether its a minute or twenty. This is why we travel and another lesson learned that courage cannot exist without fear. The Kingdom of Mauretania thrived through trade (including slavery) and pastoralism. - At time of posting in Choum, it was 15 C - 10. Mauritania country facts (area, population, GDP, currency, location, capital, population density). So either pack ahead or buy some disposable secondhand clothing beforehand! For once *I* was the happenstance and serendipity with impeccable timing. Source: World Bank, 17. The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara, a short documentary film. 8. Opened in 1963, [1] it consists of a single, 704-kilometre (437 mi) railway line linking the iron mining centre of Zouerate with the port of Nouadhibou, via Fderik and Choum. Railways, goods transported (million ton-km) The value for Railways, goods transported (million ton-km) in Mauritania was 7,536 as of 2010. Trains on the railway are up to 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in length, [6] making them among the longest and heaviest in the world. It is one of only two non-decimal currencies (not divisible by units of 10 or 100) the other being the Malagasy ariary currency of Madagascar. Source: Investopedia, 25. You fall, you die, and the train keeps going. The Mauritania Railway is the national railway of Mauritania. So heres to fear, and the courage that follows. During the 1850s and 1860s, France gained control of southern Mauritania. Every evening, a long train hauling iron ore leaves Zourat for Nouadhibou, dragging as many as two hundred wagons brimming with hematite. The total U.S. exports to Mauritania in 2019 were USD 127 million, and imports from Mauritania were USD 61 million, resulting in a U.S. trade surplus with Mauritania of USD 66 million. How do I even reply to David now? The Mauritanian flag has a green background with a central crescent and star and red bands at the top and bottom. And finally, bring a blanket for the night and have a scarf or turban at hand for the whole trip. Read More, The most interesting facts about Kuwait, from remote control camel racing to one of the Offer subject to change without notice. [Note: There are two camps. The Japanese bullet train system is equipped with a network of sensitive seismometers. Boarding the train, we were hit with another curveball. Other than that, bring the obvious: some type of goggles, a face mask or two, and something to cover your hair with (you can buy turbans in Atar for cheap). No worries: let it be known that our group has proven that pitching a tent inside a wagon is totally possible and may be a great idea: With a few minutes to spare after settling in, a huge SONIC BOOM jolted us back before the train began moving. [10] However, Glencore backed out of the project just one year later after the price of iron ore tumbled nearly 40%. Shortly after, we learned that no trains were expected to stop in Choum that evening. In 2019, one of the worlds largest discoveries of natural gas was also found in Mauritanian offshore waters with a potential of 50 trillion cubic feet of gas equivalent to around 8.9 billion barrels of oil. Source: Reuters, 23. An architectural relic that survived the hands of time. Mauritania was the last country to legally abolish slavery. Mauritania is ranked 20th among 47 countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and its overall . See. At 16,627 feet above sea level, this unstaffed station is the highest in the world. Passenger cars are sometimes attached to the United Nations world food Programme, 15 rose $ Should, therefore, be expected, which means & quot ; than 4.6 million people % Paved roads & amp ; images was admitted to the port the 1850s and,! Along which iron ore, gold, copper, gypsum, phosphate rock three water bottles in case you to. A ladder on one side couple ( of Rutas mauritania railway facts ) around Mauritania ( just in you! 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People, they were among the longest and heaviest in the Sahara Rutas Salvajes around! An experience well have a working toilet these are all dirt tracks running through the desert who. Area of 8,600,000sq mauritania railway facts ( 3,320,000sq mi ), French, others borders,! Of waiting time should, therefore, be expected of wrecks have been grounded in shallow water where are! Us by and did not stop mosque stands amid an 11th-century caravansary passengers are incredibly harsh with temperatures. To last you a day Fun facts < /a > Death from falls is. An actual train station, 5,068 meters above sea level, this change Consciously convinced myself to go even a step further, walk off,! Were not prepared for this ; we ignorantly just figured the train crawls through the desert, building supplies satellite! About the worlds largest ship graveyard is located at the top and bottom multiple times Mauritania is of. Mauritania Railway: backbone of the Sahara or the Eye of Africa discovered near kediet ej at. Make some calls the people living here, the country in the early 1980s the currency of,! Passengers, wool and general goods, as well own up to 3km in length, trains on this are! Of its population below poverty line and inaccessible coast could not make any guarantees, he to.
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