Mauritania, North Africa
Population: 3,270,065
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: Zeine Ould Zeidane
Religious Freedom in Constitution: No
A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President Taya and ushered in a military council, which declared it would remain in power for up to two years while it created conditions for genuine democratic institutions and organized elections. Accordingly, parliamentary elections were held in late 2006-early 2007 and presidential elections in March 2007. The newly-elected legislature assumed power following the inauguration of the new president in April 2007. Along with a change in the ruling power, another new prospect for the country comes with the discovery of oil off the coast. Mauritania has a small number of Christian Believers. All who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ face harassment and pressure from their families. Some are threatened with divorce by spouses or in-laws, and some are evicted from their homes.
