The Moors are one of two main groups located in Mauritania. Among the Moors there are also two main groups: the Beidan or white Moors, and the black Moors or Harratine. (Harratine means ‘the free’ - they have been slaves in the past). The Moors are believed to be descended from a mixture of Arab, Berber and other African peoples.

Whether they are Harratine or Beidan is not necessarily evident from their appearance. The Beidan can be lighter-skinned people than the Harratine who are believed to be descended from the former slave caste of the Moors. Hassaniya Arabic is the widely-spoken heart language which they have in common.

Mauritania is a very poor country. As a result of fifteen years of severe drought from 1970 until the mid 80s the economy is largely dependent on foreign aid. Many nomads lost their animals and migrated to the capital and other cities and towns with hope of finding work there.

Mauritania is an Islamic state where officially Muslims are not allowed to convert to the Christian faith. In recent years several Moors have come to the Lord despite the costs.

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Identity/Location
People Name: Moors
Ethnologue Code: MEY
Alternative Names: Maure, Hassani, Beidani
Primary Language: Hassaniya dialect of Arabic
Alternative Language Names: Klam Beidan
Location: Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast. Many are merchants and their families live in these places.

Population
Total People: 2 million (estimate 1999)
Urban Percent: >60% (local estimate)
In this country: 1.95 million
Adult literacy: 34% (1990)
Other countries: 78,000 Mali; 100,000 Niger

Socio-Economics
Literacy: 37.7% (1996)
Occupations: 70% subsistence farmers or nomadic herdsmen
Products: Fish processing, rice, millet, dates, salt, leaather, iron ore, phosphates
Trade Partners: Russia, China, Korea (Fishing), Senegal, Spain
Basic Diet: Milk, milk products, fish, grain, rice, maize, millet, sorghum, dates, mutton
Recreation: Drinking tea, socialising
Art Forms: Music, poetry, crafts
Festivals: Common Muslim holidays.

Current Church Development
Christian: 0.001%
Number of Christians: <100
Scriptures available: Bible in North African Arabic, and portions in Hassaniya.
Christian Media: Radio in French, Arabic on short-wave; Satellite television may be reaching this area.
Scripture Recordings available: Yes - Jesus film is also available in Hassaniya.
Responsiveness: Little to no exposure to the message of the Gospel yet.
Openness to Missionaries: Mauritania is an Islamic Republic, so open Christian missionary activity is not permitted.

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Prayer Points
Christian presence to grow amongst this people group.
Scriptures to become available in the local dialect
Injustice, poverty, and racism are among problems faced. Pray for hope and reconciliation to come.
For those Moors who are following Jesus: for encouragement and protection.
There is a very high divorce rate in Mauritania. Immorality is widespread. Pray for those who are affected as a result of this. Pray for strong marriages amongst those who are believers.
Financial independence/freedom from indebtedness for believers.