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[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

MAURITANIA

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are governed by the Nationality Code of June 12, 1961.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Mauritania does not automatically confer citizenship. Exceptions: Child born in Mauritania of a parent who, though not a citizen, was also born in Mauritania. Child born in Mauritania to non-citizen parents (citizenship after a five year waiting period).

BY DESCENT: Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Mauritania, regardless of the child's country of birth.

MARRIAGE: A foreign woman who marries a citizen of Mauritania is immediately granted citizenship, upon request.

BY NATURALIZATION: Mauritanian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: The person has resided in the country for at least five years, has had no law violations, and has become acquainted with the language and customs of Mauritania.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED, in most circumstances (specificity not provided). Exception: Mauritanian woman who marries a foreign national and must take the nationality of her husband does not lose her Mauritanian citizenship unless she formally requests removal.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary loss of Mauritanian citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Embassy for details and proper paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Mauritanian citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship and does not fall into any exempted categories.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Consular Section 2129 Leroy Pl., NW Washington, DC 20008

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-232-5700 Fax: 202-319-2623

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