The Arab and Muslim heritage of Mauritania's Moorish society is reflected in its arts. Goldsmithing and jewelry making are among the country's fine-arts traditions. Arabic is the official language, but several tribal languages are also spoken. The news media are owned and operated by the government. Mauritania has a high illiteracy rate of more than 60 percent, and primary school attendance is only about 15 percent.
Common diseases are malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and influenza.
The country's only major hospital is in Nouakchott. Life expectancy is about 45 years for men and 51 years for women. Infant mortality is high at 117 per 1,000 live births. Senegal Page Iron, element Nouadhibou, Mauritania Economy Mauritania's economy is largely based on subsistence agriculture and livestock raising. The chief crops are sorghum, rice, pulses, dates, vegetables, and roots and tubers.