Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Mauritania is +222. This code is required when making international calls to Mauritania from another country. Remember to precede the 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) with +222 for successful connections.
Mauritania phone numbers use an 8-digit NSN system. For international calls, add the country code +222 before the 8-digit number. Local calls within Mauritania use only the 8-digit NSN.
The provided JavaScript code example uses regular expressions to validate landline, mobile, toll-free, and special service numbers within Mauritania. It removes non-digit characters and checks against the defined patterns for different number types.
Mauritania does not use a national prefix. You only need the 8-digit NSN for local calls, and for international calls, use the +222 country code directly before the NSN.
Mauritanian phone numbers consist of an 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN). This 8-digit number is used for local calls, and for international calls it is preceded by the country code +222.
Mauritania's phone numbering system is designed for simplicity and efficiency, eliminating the need for complex area codes. The initial digits of landline numbers serve a similar purpose, indicating service providers and general locations.
The recommended international format is +222 XXX XXXXX. This format ensures consistency and clarity for users, particularly in international communications.
Chinguitel uses prefixes 20-29 (excluding 25), Mauritel uses 40-49 (excluding 45), and Mattel uses 30-39 (excluding 35). These prefixes identify the mobile carrier.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) requires developers to implement number lookup before routing calls and SMS messages. This ensures correct routing even if a user has switched operators while keeping their original number.
Compliance with ARTP regulations includes validating number assignments, implementing real-time reporting, adhering to data retention policies, and maintaining acceptable Quality of Service (QoS). Developers must also integrate with real-time verification APIs due to the mandatory biometric SIM card registration implemented in October 2023.
Yes, you can integrate phone number validation using the provided JavaScript example or similar logic. This helps maintain data integrity and ensures compliance with number formatting rules in Mauritania.
Toll-free numbers in Mauritania follow the format 800XXXXX. This format is distinct from other number types and is designated for toll-free services.
Secure your APIs using methods like OAuth 2.0 and rate limiting, and encrypt data in transit. Implement data masking, access control, and comprehensive audit logs to protect user data.
Caching mechanisms like Redis can improve response times for frequently accessed data, particularly for number lookup operations, improving performance and user experience.
Mauritania Phone Numbers: Complete Guide to +222 Format, Validation & ARE Compliance
Master Mauritania's phone numbering system with this comprehensive guide. Learn to validate and format +222 phone numbers, understand the 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) structure, implement ARE regulatory compliance, and integrate with the three major mobile operators (Chinguitel, Mauritel, Mattel).
Quick Reference
How Does Mauritania's Phone Number System Work?
Mauritania uses an 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) plan regulated by the Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle (ARE). The country transitioned from 7-digit to 8-digit phone numbers in 2011 1. Operator prefixes and service codes distinguish number types – the system avoids complex area codes for simplicity, similar to the E.164 international phone number format.
Mauritania Phone Number Structure Explained
Mauritanian phone numbers consist of an 8-digit NSN preceded by the country code (+222) for international calls. The NSN structure varies by service type.
Number Categories and Formats
Quick Format Comparison:
25[08]XXXXX
,35[0-9]XXXXX
,45[0-7]XXXXX
45131234
[2-4][0-9]XXXXXX
22440461
800XXXXX
80012345
1XX
117
,118
,101
+222 XXXXXXXX
+222 22440461
Here's a breakdown of Mauritanian number categories and formats 1:
Landline Numbers: Landline prefixes indicate the service provider and geographic location. While Mauritania doesn't use traditional area codes, the initial digits serve this purpose.
25[08]XXXXX
,35[0-9]XXXXX
,45[0-7]XXXXX
25080831
,45131234
,35798765
250
and258
indicate fixed-line services, while45
serves Nouakchott and surrounding regions. Specific codes include4513
(Néma),4515
(Aîoun),45000
(Kaédi),4534
(Sélibaby),4537
(Aleg),4544
(Zouérat),4546
(Atar),4550
(Boghé),4563
(Kiffa),4569
(Rosso/Tidjikja), and4574
(Nouadhibou).Geographic Code Mapping:
Mobile Numbers: Operators assign mobile numbers based on specific prefixes 1.
[2-4][0-9]XXXXXX
22440461
,46123456
,37890123
Toll-Free Numbers:
800XXXXX
80012345
Special Services: Use these shortcodes for emergency and information services 14.
1X
or1XX
117
(Police),118
(Fire Brigade),101
(Ambulance),16
(Speaking Clock),12
(Telephone Inquiries),116
(Gendarmerie),119
(Traffic Police)117
, Fire is118
, and Ambulance is101
4.How to Implement Mauritania Phone Number Validation
Common Implementation Issues:
Validation
Edge Cases to Handle:
+22222440461
→ extract22440461
.+222
and00222
prefixes.Use this JavaScript function to validate Mauritanian numbers:
Handling International Format:
Formatting
When to Use Each Format:
Use these functions for international and local formatting:
Input Validation Before Formatting:
Mauritania Phone Number Regulations and Best Practices
Digital Identity Integration
Mauritania implemented mandatory biometric SIM card registration in 2023, following Decision No. 0038 by the National Regulatory Council (CNR), enacted April 6, 2023 2. The initial registration deadline was October 6, 2023 – ARE threatened to suspend unregistered SIM subscriptions after this date 25. Users must register with valid government-issued ID and biometric data at operator commercial branches.
Registration Requirements:
Developer Implications:
Number Portability (MNP)
MNP Implementation Status: As of 2025, there is no public evidence that Mauritania has implemented Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The three operators (Chinguitel, Mauritel, Mattel) maintain distinct prefix ranges, and operator identification remains prefix-based 13.
If MNP becomes active in the future:
Current Implementation: Use prefix-based operator identification as shown in the Number Categories section.
Regulatory Compliance (ARE)
Follow ARE (Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle) regulations to avoid penalties, fines, or license suspension. Key requirements include:
Security Considerations
Security Best Practices:
Common Threats:
Performance Optimization
Performance Optimization:
Framework Integration Examples:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Mauritania phone numbers?
Mauritania's international country code is +222. Dial +222 followed by the 8-digit local number when calling from outside Mauritania. For example, +222 22440461 reaches a Chinguitel mobile number. The international prefix to dial out from Mauritania is 00. For help formatting international numbers, see our guide on phone number validation best practices.
How do I validate Mauritania phone numbers in my application?
Use regex patterns to validate Mauritanian phone numbers by type. Mobile numbers follow the pattern
[2-4][0-9]XXXXXX
(8 digits total), landline numbers use25[08]XXXXX
,35[0-9]XXXXX
, or45[0-7]XXXXX
, and toll-free numbers start with800XXXXX
. The validation function in this guide checks all number types and returns the specific type for context.What are the major mobile operators in Mauritania and their prefixes?
Mauritania has three major mobile operators: Mauritel (Moov Mauritel) with prefixes 40–49 except 45 (~2.7 million subscribers, largest operator), Chinguitel with prefixes 20–29 except 25 (~2 million subscribers), and Mattel with prefixes 30–39 except 35 (~1.9 million subscribers). These operator prefixes route calls and identify the carrier.
What are Mauritania's biometric SIM registration requirements?
Since April 6, 2023, Mauritania mandates biometric SIM card registration under Decision No. 0038 by the National Regulatory Council (CNR). Users must present valid government-issued ID at operator branches and provide biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition). The initial deadline was October 6, 2023 – unregistered SIMs faced subscription suspension after this date. Verify SIM registration status before activation.
How do I format Mauritania phone numbers for display?
Format Mauritanian numbers using E.164 international format: +222 XXX XXXXX (e.g., +222 224 40461). For local display, use XXX XXXXX format without the country code (e.g., 224 40461). The formatting functions in this guide clean input automatically and apply consistent spacing.
Does Mauritania support Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?
As of 2025, there is no public evidence that Mauritania has implemented Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Operator identification remains prefix-based, with Chinguitel (20–29 except 25), Mauritel (40–49 except 45), and Mattel (30–39 except 35) maintaining distinct prefix ranges. Verify current MNP status with ARE (Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle) before implementing MNP-dependent features.
What is the telecommunications regulatory authority in Mauritania?
The Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle (ARE) regulates telecommunications in Mauritania. ARE enforces number assignment policies, biometric SIM registration, Quality of Service (QoS) standards, and data retention requirements. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or license suspension. Implement real-time reporting capabilities and follow ARE's data security guidelines.
How did Mauritania's phone numbering system change in 2011?
In 2011, Mauritania transitioned from 7-digit to 8-digit phone numbers to accommodate telecommunications growth. This change increased the available number pool and aligned with international numbering standards. All current Mauritanian phone numbers use the 8-digit NSN format preceded by country code +222 for international calls.
What are the emergency service numbers in Mauritania?
Mauritania uses 3-digit codes for emergency services: dial 117 for Police, 118 for Fire Brigade, and 101 for Ambulance 4. Additional services include 116 (Gendarmerie), 119 (Traffic Police), 16 (Speaking Clock), and 12 (Telephone Inquiries). Access these special service numbers from any phone without the country code. Note: Emergency response times may vary, and authorities may not always answer calls to these numbers 4.
How do I implement API security for Mauritania phone number services?
Secure your phone number APIs using OAuth 2.0 authentication, rate limiting to prevent abuse, request signing for integrity verification, and IP whitelisting to restrict access. Encrypt all data in transit using TLS 1.3, mask sensitive information, enforce role-based access control, and maintain comprehensive audit logs for compliance with ARE regulations.
Summary
You now understand Mauritania's phone numbering system, including the +222 country code, 8-digit NSN structure, and operator-specific prefixes for Chinguitel, Mauritel, and Mattel. You've learned validation regex patterns for mobile, landline, toll-free, and special service numbers, plus formatting functions for international and local display.
Key regulatory requirements include ARE compliance, mandatory biometric SIM registration (enforced since 2023), and prefix-based operator identification (MNP not yet implemented as of 2025). Implement security best practices using OAuth 2.0, rate limiting, TLS 1.3 encryption, and comprehensive audit logging.
Extend your implementation with:
References
Footnotes
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). "National Numbering Plans: Mauritania." Retrieved from ITU Official Document and Wikipedia: Telephone numbers in Mauritania. Effective January 1, 2011. Details the 2011 transition from 7-digit to 8-digit NSN length, operator prefix assignments, and ARE contact information. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
Connecting Africa. "Mauritania mandates SIM registration process." Published August 2023. Retrieved from Connecting Africa. Details Decision No. 0038 by CNR (April 6, 2023), registration deadline (October 6, 2023), and biometric requirements enforced by ARE. Subscriber counts: Moov Mauritel (~2.7 million), Chinguitel (~2 million), Mattel (~1.9 million) as of Q2 2023. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
Telecompaper. "Mauritanian telecoms regulator ARE orders mobile operators to improve service quality." Published September 18, 2025. Retrieved from Telecompaper. Confirms ARE oversight of Chinguitel, Mauritel, and Mattel operators in 2025. ↩ ↩2
UK Foreign Office. "Getting help - Mauritania travel advice." Retrieved from GOV.UK. Confirms emergency numbers: Police (117), Fire (118), Ambulance (101). Notes that authorities may not answer calls to these numbers. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
Developing Telecoms. "Mauritania mandates SIM registration and sets October deadline." Published August 24, 2023. Retrieved from Developing Telecoms. Confirms ARE deadline of October 6, 2023, for SIM registration with biometric data collection. ↩ ↩2