Mauritania — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

OPTIM (Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Mauritanie) manages Mauritania’s postal services. Mauritania was a French West Africa territory, issuing stamps from 1906 before incorporation into the French West Africa collective (1944–1958). Independence came in November 1960. Mauritania is one of the world’s most arid countries — roughly 90% desert — and its sparse Saharan landscape, ancient caravan cities, and nomadic Moor culture reflect in its stamp programme. The country sits at the crossroads of Arab, Berber, and sub-Saharan African cultures.

Notable Stamp Issues

Mauritania’s first separate stamps in 1906 used the standard French colonial type. French West Africa stamps served the territory 1944–1958. Post-independence stamps from 1960 depicted President Mokhtar Ould Daddah and Mauritanian camels. The ancient cities of Chinguetti and Oualata (UNESCO heritage — caravan towns of the trans-Saharan trade routes) appear on commemorative stamps. Mauritanian stamps have featured the dromedary (essential to Saharan life), mouflon (a wild sheep found in the Saharan Atlas), and the Atlantic coast’s exceptional marine biodiversity including dolphins and sea turtles.

Collecting Tips

Yvert & Tellier covers French colonial Mauritania and republic stamps. Scott Africa covers the republic. French West Africa collective stamps (1944–1958) served Mauritania alongside seven other territories. Dromedary camel stamps from Mauritania are among Africa’s most distinctive camel philatelic items. The ancient Saharan city stamps are popular with trans-Saharan trade history collectors. Mauritania’s Atlantic coast borders Banc d’Arguin (UNESCO heritage — a crucial migratory bird stop) — bird stamps from this migration area attract ornithological collectors.

Part of the Africa Postal Directory.