São Paulo – The Mauritanian Human Development Index (HDI) increased by 1.25% a year over the last 20 years, according to the report “Sustainability and equity: a better future for all,” of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), presented this week in Nouakchott, the capital of the Arab country.
According to the African news agency Panapress , the rate of growth is among the highest in Black Africa and Arab countries during the period. According to the report, which concerns 2011, Mauritania is at 159th in the global HDI ranking. The index is based on data such as life expectancy, education and per capita GDP.
The report concludes that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between environmental damage and inequality on a global level. It also points out that new sources of financing are required to promote sustainable development while eliminating social inequality.
Half the population in Mauritania depends on agriculture and cattle farming. Still, the country boasts large iron ore reserves, which account for nearly 40% of the country’s exports. Mauritania also boasts fish-rich waters. The government is attempting to attract foreign private investment into the country to boost economic growth.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
