mauritania railway facts

Seen from space, the circular geologic feature measures 45km (28mi) across and is believed to be caused by an uplifted dome that has been eroded to expose onion-like layers of rock. Source: NASA, European Space Agency, 16. Mauritania has desert or southern steppe climate. Read More, The most interesting facts about Brunei, from the world's biggest palace to the monument built And just so happened to have 2 Western-looking backpacker types and a local guide sitting in front outside. Roads often have to make detours hundreds of kilometers long just to avoid the drifting sands. 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. Humidity: 47% | Wind Speed: 13km/hr | Cloud Cover: clear, MAURITANIA JANUARY 2020 SOMETHING TO NOTE ABOUT RIDING THE IRON ORE TRAIN, Four other EPSers and I used Hademine from Time For Mauritania (, Day 1: Nouakchott to Terjit (approximately 5 hours) with a night in Terjit a. lovely desert oasis (much better than spending the night in Atar). We shopped around, and the lowest we were able to negotiate anywhere was 30 for the better quality one (and 15 for the cheaper quality). The most extraordinary locations we discovered this year. The newly completed Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags 1,142 kilometers across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges. In The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara documentary we rode atop a hopper car and journeyed through vast Saharan landscapes with the people who rely on the train for their income and survival. Blankets are a must. The Mauritanian flag has a green background with a central crescent and star and red bands at the top and bottom. At about 460 km (286 mi) from Nouadhibou, the Mauritania Railway originally passed through the 2 km (1 mi) long and steeply graded Choum Tunnel, to avoid passing through part of the Ro de Oro territory in Western Sahara, which was then occupied by Spain. The train does not make any official stops from Nouadhibou to Choum, but the train does stop for prayers. You fall, you die, and the train keeps going. How do I even reply to David now? And by 12:35am we quickly disembarked, leaving with an experience well have a hard time forgetting for the rest of our lives. Make sure you have enough water and food to last you a day. 4. Our turnover thus rose from $ 880 million in 2019 to $ 1 billion 220 million in 2020, an increase of 39%. Director MacGregor Writers Tim Hyten MacGregor See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist 3 User reviews Awards The tourist route is typically operated by a locomotive carrying two passenger carriages. One of the longest trains in the world is found in Mauritania. Once your eyes get used to the dust and adjust to the environment, you can start appreciating the different shades and hues that different kinds of sand can take from a certain angle and in a certain light. A fair amount of waiting time should, therefore, be expected. It measures almost three kilometers long. To the south along the Senegal River is a fertile belt, which is watered by the river's regular floods. Atheists are given the death penalty. The train then continues on to the harbor to dump the 22,000 tons of ore. Three hours later, the train is back at Nouadhibous station for the return trip. Quizzes. This same David Yang (whom I first met in the Marshall Islands last year!) The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara is earning early praise, including the top prize for cinematography at the XVI International Film Festival of Almeria, and the jury prize for stylistic achievement and best cinematography at the Social Impact Media Awards 2018. 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). {{posts[0].commentsNum}} {{messages_comments}}, {{posts[1].commentsNum}} {{messages_comments}}, {{posts[2].commentsNum}} {{messages_comments}}, {{posts[3].commentsNum}} {{messages_comments}}, Hotel Belvdre: The Iconic Swiss Hotel on The Edge of The Rhone Glacier, Claude Ambroise Seurat: The Living Skeleton, Francis Greenway: The Only Forger to Be Featured on a Banknote, The Mystery of Puma Punkus Precise Stonework, Why Soviet Cosmonauts Carried a Gun to Space, Bummer And Lazarus: San Franciscos Beloved Dogs, 3 Most Impressive Water Bridges Around the World. Shortly after, we learned that no trains were expected to stop in Choum that evening. However, he offered to join us on the journey to Nouadhibou last minute. The state agency Socit Nationale Industrielle et Minire (National Mining and Industrial Company, SNIM) controls the railway line. But, do plan to arrive in Choum early. The train does not operate on a fixed schedule. Departure: When the train arrives just jump into the back of one of the cars. It is considered to be the worlds most gruelling automobile race. 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. Read More, The most interesting facts about Malawi, from one of the planets largest and deepest lakes It is also the world's second-largest railway network operated under single management. If you leave early enough, you could technically just drive directly from Nouakchott to Choum. Overnight: iron ore train (approximately 13 to 15 hours). https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mauritania_Railway&oldid=1110690691, This page was last edited on 16 September 2022, at 22:55. Its journey begins in Zouerat,. Not even until 12 hours later the next day and kismet: The main group were all arranging sim cards in the town of Atar where at that very moment I debated whether to stick around, or split off from the group with the non-sim contigent and walk with them around the town for an hour. 2. Built to transport iron ore reserves from Mauritania across the Sahara Desert, the 704-kilometer Mauritania Railway connects the mining center of Zouerat to the port city of Nouadhibou on Africa's Atlantic coast. - At time of posting in Choum, it was 15 C - 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! Travel Facts Locator Map View Details Introduction Background The Berber and Bafour people were among the first to settle in what is now Mauritania. 2. In 2020, SNIM delivered 12.501 million tonnes of iron ore to the market, an increase of 4% compared to its sales in 2019. 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). Some passengers dig small holes in the iron ore pile and build stoves, burning charcoal to make tea. The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara, a short documentary film. Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Mauritania. Passengers include locals, merchants, and occasionally some adventure tourists. . So heres to fear, and the courage that follows. And if theres ore, you can simply chuck your bags on top before jumping on yourself. [Note: There are two camps. There is also no way to stock up on your food supplies. It is not clear what time the train leaves and arrives. Each wagon carries up to 84 tons of iron ore, making the train one of the heaviest and longest in the world. (Having once been a French colony, Mauritannia's education system has been heavily influenced by the francophone system which is still prevalent today even after its independence.) During this journey, it connects more than 7,172 stations across India. Originally a nomadic people, they were among the first in recorded history to convert from a nomadic to agricultural lifestyle. We were told that it does not usually arrive before 19:00, but that it can really come whenever. We bought cases of water and snacks in Nouakchott (also widely available in Atar). . Check out our country profile, full of essential information about Mauritania's geography, history, government, economy, population, culture, religion and languages. 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. The line was a success and provided a major portion of Mauritania's GDP; as a result the line was nationalised in 1974. Passenger carriages also can be attached to the train, but people are uncomfortably packed in like sardines and youll miss the true experience as a passenger sitting inside the wagons meant to carry the ore, or on top of the ore itself. 9. Up to 3km in length, the trains are among the longest and heaviest in the world. The open-air top provides no respite from the scorching heat of the day and the frigid air of the night. 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. A train should get going within 24 hours. For the people living in these settlements, the train is their only link to civilization. It conveyed passengers, wool and general goods, as well as being used to transport defence supplies during the Second World War. Life expectancy 57 years (men), 61 . Little did we know, this would change everything. It was designated as the country's capital only in 1960 and is therefore one of the world's newest capitals. But at least the passengers have a working toilet. Anyways if you plan on taking the train in the other direction sitting on TOP of the iron ore . 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After gaining self-governance in 1958, Mauritania gained full independence in 1960. Source: BBC News, 9. 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. 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. The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott, which means "place of the winds.". One is located at the oasis, and the other (Chez Jamal) is just a quick walk away. Mauritania formed part of the Dakar Rally, first held in 197879 and covering nearly 15,000km between Southern Europe and Senegal. Do not wait until Choum to go shoppingnot much there. These groups account for roughly one third of Mauritania's ethnic makeup. 5. In 2012, it was estimated that 10% to 20% of the population still lived in slavery. Pronunciation of Mauritania. If that's not enough, click over to our collection of world maps and flags. Best Time To Travel to Mauritania. The train length expands to 2,5 kilometers with 200 train cars carrying cca 85 tons of iron ore from mines in Zouerat to Mauritania's second largest commercial centre Nouadihbou. About 550 kilometers of the tracks run on frozen earth, the longest in any of the world's plateau railways. But, do plan to arrive in Choum early. I rode the infamous iron ore express deep into the Sahara desert and discovered its much more than just a freight train. 70% of the country is in the desert. This remarkably well-preserved mosque stands amid an 11th-century caravansary. The history of rail transport in Mauritania began in 1940, with the commencement of preparatory work for the construction of the Mauritania Railway, a single track, 704 km (437 mi) standard gauge line connecting a then proposed iron mine in Zouerate with the port of Nouadhibou, via Fderik and Choum. It is one of the last countries to do so. Terminus. Mauritania is home to the Richat Structure, sometimes referred to as Eye of the Sahara or the Eye of Africa. At 3-kilometers in length, trains on this line are among the longest and heaviest in the world. Passengers are also occasionally transported by train; these services are managed by an SNIM subsidiary, the socit d'Assainissement, de Travaux, de Transport et de Maintenance (abb. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. Blog. For those who can afford to spare $3 for a ticket, the journey isnt anymore comfortable. [5] This railway is unusual for its usage of the Soviet type coupler SA-3, which is quite rare in non ex-Soviet countries. Mauritania traditions Mauritania train 3 km Mauritania train Mauritania travel advice Mauritania travel Mauritania tv: Mauritania un Mauritania unemployment Mauritania unemployment rate Mauritania unhcr Mauritania united nations Mauritania university Mauritania us embassy Mauritania us relations Mauritania usaid Mauritania used to be called: V . They consist of 3 or 4 diesel-electric EMD locomotives, 200 to 210 cars each carrying up to 84 tons of iron ore, and 2-3 service cars. 9. This railway, the only one in the country, serves as the lifeline for one of the worlds poorest nations, hauling iron ore from the mines at Zourat to the port city of Nouadhibou to be shipped to China and Japan, as well as to Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. If youre serious about this experience, you should definitely pack goggles, warm blankets, scarves, some sort of breathing mask, plenty of water, food, and warm clothes (I recommend thermal undershirt and underwear, light down, windbreaker, a beanie, and a scarf) for the journey. The train runs through one of the harshest environments on earth. 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! [11][12], Last edited on 16 September 2022, at 22:55, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Mauritania, a Nation of Moorish Nomads, Suddenly Finds Herself in 20th Century", http://www.attm.mr/index.php/entreprise/presentation, "Desert train of Mauritania running again after 10 years", "Railway Gazette: High temperature locomotives ordered from EMD", http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11332401.htm, "Glencore abandons Mauritania iron ore project after $US1bn investment", This Sahara Railway Is One of the Most Extreme in the World, Hot, free and dangerous: A train ride in Mauritania, Atop a long train in Africa, heading for change. There are more guns than people in America, with 120.5 firearms per 100 U.S. citizens, according to Vox, making the country more prone to gun violence. It provides some of the most isolat. Bear in mind that there are no paved roads. 2022 Atlas Obscura. Those who are interested, Washington Post published a nice photo essay on the journey a few years back. Straight ahead. 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). [4] This played a major role in prompting the army to overthrow Mauritanian president Moktar Ould Daddah in 1978, followed by a withdrawal from Western Sahara the following year. Offer subject to change without notice. If you leave early enough, you could technically just drive directly from Nouakchott to Choum. The total traffic averages 16.6 million tons per year. Mauritania is one of the worlds least densely populated countries with less than 4 people per square kilometre of land area. The train can carry road vehicles as well, and if you are self-driving, you have to make arrangements for yourvehicle to tag along for the ride. I suggest walking over and asking if the trains are expected to stop (just in case you need to make alternative plans). 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. Mauritania gained its independence from France on Nov. 28, 1960, and was admitted to the United Nations in 1961. Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is the 11th largest sovereign state in Africa. Mauritania is located in North and WestAfrica bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Algeria, Western Sahara, Mali and Senegal. Source:Britannica, 2. Although he could not make any guarantees, he agreed to make some calls. . Nope. . 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. Mauritania's economic freedom score is 55.3, making its economy the 119th freest in the 2022 Index. 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. They consist of 3 or 4 diesel-electric EMD locomotives, 200 to 210 cars each carrying up to 84 tons of iron ore, and 2-3 service cars. Source: World Bank, 17. 1. 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. Resources. The longest stretch of completely straight track in the world is in Australia. 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. The state agency Socit Nationale Industrielle et Minire (National Mining and Industrial Company, SNIM . Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), 14. One of the longest trains in the world is found in Mauritania. 8. Mauritania has a generally flat territory with vast plains . 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. Per Hademine, for whatever reason, they have been adding water to the wagons in recent weekssomething else to keep in mind! America has more guns than people. Not counting the waiting time, it takes approximately 19 hours to cover the whole distance. Amusing Planet, 2022. Yaya asked who those friends were, and before I could answer, Yaya also mentioned that I reminded him of someone that he had met 2 weeks prior in Dakar, Senegal named David Yang. BuzzWord. During the 1850s and 1860s, France gained control of southern Mauritania. The Sahara Desert, with a total area of 8,600,000sq km (3,320,000sq mi), covers much of North Africa. Source:Britannica, 13. In fact, approximately 90% of Mauritania is desert which has caused persistent droughts throughout the country. 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. Understand 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. More than 40,000 black Mauritanians were driven out of the country into Senegal. Source: New York Times. The train is up to 3km (1.8 miles) in length, travels on a single track of 704 kilometres (437 miles), with 200 - 300 freight carriages, weighing up to a total of 84 tons and making it the longest and heaviest train in the world. When we say it's big it's big!! Low rainfall this year left more than a million people . After gaining self-governance in 1958, Mauritania gained full independence in 1960. British nationals in Mauritania requiring consular assistance . Death from falls is common. At one million square kilometers, Mauritania is not a small country, but a very small percentage of it is habitable. Railways (km) 728 km standard gauge: 728 km 1.435-m gauge (2008) Roadways (km) total: 10,628 km paved: 3,158 km unpaved: 7,470 km (2010) Waterways (km) Both basic. Cartons of apples and oranges, bottles of water are stacked meters high. We cut open three water bottles and used them to scoop out as much water as possible before we leveled off the mounds. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Founded in the 3rd century, the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Volubilis in modern-day Morocco was the capital of Mauritania and showcases extensive remains of the Roman city that was built there. Source: UNESCO, 5. At the moment the train was still, we quickly inspected a few wagons to make sure they had good wheels, picked one to call home, climbed its ladders, half hanging on while being passed all our bags. The train stretches for 2.5 kilometers. The only thing we had to do was to show our passports to the security guard at the train station as they want to make sure youll get off in Choum and not continue onwards into Western Sahara territory (or Morocco, depending whom you ask) without a formal exit and entry stamp. Map of Mauritania Facts & Figures President:Muhammad Ould Abdel Aziz (2009) Sometimes the train slows down enough for some breakdancing: Even after the sun had long disappeared, the sky above us just got more purple, especially in the haze of the desert sands blowing past the train: And while it gets really really cold here (subzero temperatures; I recommend putting on all your layers while its still warm around sunset), the true show comes out once it gets completely dark if the moon isnt full you can usually see the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. At 3-kilometers in length, trains on this line are among the longest and heaviest in the world. The train worked out great. Mauritania has a population of 4 million inhabitants (in 2019); about one-fourth of its people live in Nouakchott, the country's capital and largest city, situated between the dunes and the ocean. I also suggest bringing contractor-type trash bags (one for your bag(s), and one for you to fit into or sit on top of), as well as smaller bags for your phone/camera. [citation needed]. Despite the legislation against slavery, there still exists around 90,000 slaves in Mauritania according to 2003 estimates. About 70% of the total cost of the railway line (USD 970 . Railway network (2014): 700 km Mauritania is a distinctly lowland, which is mostly within the Sahara. Goats, donkeys and camels are hoisted onto the empty wagons. Said to be the same as. Documents: You will want at least two Fiches for Mauritania. The UNESCO-listed Parc National du Banc dArguin is one of the best birdwatching sites in Africa and is home to an array of wildlife including a wide variety of thousands of migrating birds and several species of sea turtle and dolphin. Source: Lonely Planet, UNESCO, 26. See. 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). One is located at the oasis, and the other (Chez Jamal) is just a quick walk away. Railways, goods transported (million ton-km) The value for Railways, goods transported (million ton-km) in Mauritania was 7,536 as of 2010. Mauritania!" The climax of their trip was a daring photoshoot on top of the iron ore-laden train as it rumbled across the desert on its 700-kilometer (435-mile) journey. Our partnerships in the country remain strong, despite the governmental changes. 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. Imagine a European rail carriage from the 1970s, stripped of everything of any value: doors, glass, seats, cushioning, lights, toilet bowl, wrote Hugh Carveth. Fortunately for us, he pulled through. Day 1: Nouakchott to Terjit (approximately 5 hours) with a night in Terjit a lovely desert oasis (much better than spending the night in Atar). Near the city of Nouadhibou, hundreds of wrecks have been grounded in shallow water where they are scavenged or left to decay. Source: Nature Journal, Atlas Obscura, 20. how do I clean up? Read onwards! Pack some food and lots of waterpack more water than you think you might need. Consular support in Mauritania is severely limited as the British Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide consular services in person. Some statistics: The train is 3km in length (way over a mile!) We shopped around, and the lowest we were able to negotiate anywhere was 30 for the better quality one (and 15 for the cheaper quality). So either pack ahead or buy some disposable secondhand clothing beforehand! Access 70 detailed Bills of lading with complete information of each shipment. Nouadhibou railway station. [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 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. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Those who do not work fast enough are left behind. Capital: Nouakchott. No tickets, no bookings, no cash, no reservations youre supposed to just hitchhike and hop on top when it arrives! 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. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us. If youre wondering about toilets, the answer is no: there arent any. The iron ore is like fine sand that gets constantly blown in the face. It only became punishable by law in 2007. After spending the day waiting, we were gutted when the iron ore train just passed us by and did not stop. The railway link between Kaedi and Mauritania is an example of the creative financing of Chinese infrastructure investments in Mauritania. At 2pm we headed out to the train station outside the city limits of Nouadibou to board the famous Mauritania mineral iron ore train! Mauritania is surprisingly massive. 10. The Mauritania Railway was opened in 1963, ten years after iron ore was discovered near Kediet ej Jill, Mauritanias highest mountain. Interesting Mauritania Facts What unique things can you discover about Mauritania? 11. Try to pick a car near the passenger car because this is where you'll want to be when you get out in Choum. 3. 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. However, I got uncomfortable splitting off alone, after which I actually thought out loud to myself: Cmon man, do what makes you uncomfortable. On the way to Choum, we each bought one in Atar. Mauritania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 40% of its population below poverty line. The green, star and crescent are traditional Muslim symbols and the red signifies the bloodshed during the struggle for independence from France. Source: Britannica, 8. The wagons were filled with watersomething none of us were expecting.
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