Mauritania

Mauritania is the Sahara, an Atlantic coast of fishing boats and the famous iron-ore train across the desert. Local produce is inexpensive, while imports and international-standard housing in Nouakchott are expensive and the choice of goods is narrow. The climate is desert: heat for most of the year, a short cool coastal winter and sandstorms in spring. A visa is arranged in advance, French and Arabic are needed daily, healthcare is limited, and trips inland require preparation.