Area Code 4563 – Kiffa

Overview of Mauritania's Geographic Numbering Plan

Mauritania's national numbering plan adheres to ITU-T E.164, with country calling code +222. Geographic numbers are structured as: +222 [National Destination Code (NDC)] [Subscriber Number]. The NDC for Kiffa is 4563, which is a four-digit code identifying the Assaba region, specifically the city of Kiffa and its surrounding areas. This prefix is used for fixed-line PSTN services, and numbers under this code are typically 8 digits long when dialed locally (including the NDC) or 10 digits when dialed internationally (including the country code).

Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Kiffa is the capital of the Assaba Region, located in southern Mauritania. The 4563 prefix serves the city of Kiffa and its immediate administrative subdivisions, including the communes of Kiffa, Guerou, and Boumdeit. It is a geographic code, meaning that the number is tied to a physical location and is used for fixed-line services, including residential, business, and government lines. The code is managed by the Mauritanian regulatory authority, Autorité de Régulation (ARE), and is allocated to the incumbent operator, Mauritel, and other licensed fixed-line operators.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

• Local Dialing (within Mauritania): To call a Kiffa number from another region in Mauritania, dial the full national number: 4563 XXXX (8 digits). For example, a local call to a subscriber number 1234 would be dialed as 4563 1234.
• International Dialing (from abroad): Callers outside Mauritania should dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from Europe, 011 from North America), followed by the country code 222, then the NDC and subscriber number: +222 4563 1234 (10 digits after the +).
• Within Kiffa: If you are calling from another fixed line within the same local area, you may be able to dial just the subscriber number (4 digits), but this depends on the operator's local dialing plan. Always check with your service provider if you are unsure.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest updates, there is no overlay code for Kiffa; the 4563 prefix is unique to the area. However, with the growth of fixed-line services, the ARE has implemented number conservation measures, and some numbers may have been reassigned. Always verify the number with the recipient if you encounter issues. For international callers, it is crucial to note that Mauritania's numbering plan is not open; all geographic numbers must include the NDC, and there is no access code for domestic long-distance calls (i.e., you do not dial a trunk prefix like 0).

Practical Examples for Callers

Suppose you need to contact a business in Kiffa with the subscriber number 7890. From abroad, you would dial +222 4563 7890. From Nouakchott (the capital), you would dial 4563 7890. If you are in Kiffa and the call is local, you might dial 7890 if your operator supports abbreviated dialing, but the safest method is to dial the full 8-digit number.

Understanding the correct dialing format ensures that your calls connect without errors. For any further assistance, consult your telecom provider or refer to the ARE's official numbering plan documentation.