Mauritania +222

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a vast and geographically diverse nation bridging North and West Africa. Its telecommunications sector has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with a steady expansion of mobile and internet services despite the challenges posed by its expansive desert terrain. For international callers, understanding the country's dialing protocols is essential for both personal and business communications. The country code +222 is your gateway to connecting with over 4.5 million inhabitants across this historic land, from the capital Nouakchott to the ancient trading city of Chinguetti.

The national telecommunications regulator, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARE), oversees the sector, which is served by three main mobile operators: Mauritel (a subsidiary of Maroc Telecom), Mattel, and Chinguitel. While fixed-line penetration remains low, mobile penetration has surged, making mobile numbers the most common point of contact. This guide provides exhaustive information on dialing Mauritanian numbers, understanding local area codes, and navigating the unique calling rules that apply to this Saharan nation.

How to Call Mauritania from Abroad

Dialing into Mauritania requires a precise sequence of numbers. Whether you are calling a landline in Nouakchott or a mobile phone in Nouadhibou, the process is straightforward but demands attention to the distinction between fixed and mobile numbering plans.

• Step 1: International Access Prefix (IAC) – Dial the exit code of the country you are calling from. For example, dial 011 from the United States or Canada, 00 from most European countries, or 0011 from Australia.
• Step 2: Mauritania Country Code – Enter +222 (or the appropriate international prefix followed by 222). This code is unique to Mauritania and is not shared with any other nation.
• Step 3: National Significant Number (NSN) – Follow the country code with the local number. Crucially, Mauritania uses an open dialing plan, meaning that the trunk prefix 0 is used for domestic calls, but it is dropped when dialing from abroad. For example, a domestic call to a landline in Nouakchott might be dialed as 0 45 25 43 21, but from overseas you would dial +222 45 25 43 21 (omitting the initial 0).

All national numbers, both fixed and mobile, are eight digits long. The first digit (2 through 4) historically indicated the region or service type, while the second digit often denoted the operator or specific zone. However, with number portability and mobile expansion, the system has evolved, and it is always safest to confirm the number with your contact.

Area Codes and Numbering Plan

Mauritania's numbering plan is not as granular as those of larger countries, but it does have distinct prefixes that indicate geographic zones for fixed lines and service types for mobile numbers. Understanding these prefixes can help you identify the origin of a call and avoid dialing errors.

Fixed-Line Area Prefixes

• 45 – Nouakchott and surrounding regions: The capital city and its suburbs use landline numbers beginning with 45. For example, +222 45 XX XX XX.
• 55 – Nouadhibou and the far north: Mauritania's second-largest city, a major port and economic hub, uses the 55 prefix for fixed lines.
• 56 – Dakhlet Nouadhibou and other northern regions: Some northern administrative areas may use 56 for fixed services, though this is less common.
• 44 and 46 – Other regional zones: Various inland cities like Zouerate, Atar, and Kaédi may use different prefixes, but these are being phased out in favor of a more unified system.

Mobile Number Prefixes

Mobile numbers in Mauritania also begin with specific digits that historically indicated the operator, but due to mobile number portability (MNP), the prefix no longer guarantees the operator. Nevertheless, the following patterns are common:

• 2X – Originally assigned to Mauritel (e.g., +222 22 123 456 or +222 27 123 456).
• 3X – Often associated with Mattel (e.g., +222 33 123 456).
• 4X – Frequently used by Chinguitel (e.g., +222 46 123 456).

It is important to note that when dialing a mobile number from abroad, you must include the full 8-digit number after the country code, but you should exclude the leading '0' that is used in domestic dialing. For instance, a domestic mobile number might be 0 33 123 456, but internationally you dial +222 33 123 456.

Special Dialing Rules and Regulations

• Trunk Prefix Omission: As with many countries, the trunk prefix '0' is not used in international dialing. Always omit it after the +222.
• Emergency Numbers: Mauritania does not have a single unified emergency number like 911. Instead, you must dial specific numbers for services: Police (17), Fire (18), and SAMU (medical emergencies – 101). These numbers are reached without the country code when dialing domestically. From abroad, you would need to contact local authorities via other means, as these short codes are not accessible internationally.
• No Special Premium Services: There are no distinctive premium-rate numbers (like 900 numbers) that require special dialing procedures; however, international callers should be aware that some services may have higher tariffs.
• Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Introduced in 2016, MNP allows users to retain their numbers when switching operators. This means that the prefix does not always indicate the current network, but it does not affect the dialing format.
• International Prefix for Outgoing Calls: To call abroad from Mauritania, you must dial '00' followed by the destination's country code. For example, to call the UK, you would dial 00 44 ... .
• Satellite and Remote Area Dialing: In the vast desert regions, satellite phones (Thuraya, Inmarsat) are sometimes used. These have their own country codes (+88216 for Thuraya) and are not part of the +222 numbering plan.

Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses

For travelers visiting Mauritania, staying connected is relatively easy, thanks to the availability of prepaid SIM cards from the three major operators. You will need to present your passport for registration. Coverage is excellent in urban centers like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, but can be sporadic in remote desert areas. If you plan to travel to the Adrar Plateau or the Banc d'Arguin, be prepared for intermittent service. Businesses operating in Mauritania should ensure that their contact lists include the correct international format: +222 followed by the 8-digit national number. When making conference calls or setting up VoIP systems, always test the connectivity, as international bandwidth can be variable.

For high-volume callers, consider using Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype or WhatsApp, which are widely used by locals. However, note that the government has occasionally restricted VoIP services over the years, though they are generally accessible. For official correspondence, it is wise to verify numbers via official channels, as the numbering plan is subject to change.