Mauritanian ouguiya (old) - MRO

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Using this currency

Overview

The old Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO) was the currency of Mauritania until 2017, when it was replaced by the new ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 10:1. It was unique for being divided into 5 khoums rather than the usual 100 subdivision.

Economy

  • Mauritania (historical) is a member of AU, Arab League, AMU, OIC, G-77.
  • Main industries include: Fish processing, Oil production, Mining of iron ore, Gold, Copper, Gypsum.
  • Mauritania (historical) is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are machinery, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods.
  • Major exports include iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum.
  • GDP: Historical data (2017): $5.2 billion.
  • GDP per capita: Historical data (2017): $1,274.
  • Unemployment rate: Historical data (2017): 10.2%.
  • Inflation rate: Historical data (2017): 2.3%.
  • Main trading partners: European Union, China, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Spain.
  • Trade agreements: Limited trade agreements, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: CFA franc, French franc.
  • The ouguiya was introduced in 1973, replacing the CFA franc. It was redenominated in 2017 (10:1) and became the new ouguiya (MRU), making MRO a discontinued currency.
  • 1973: MRO introduced, replacing CFA franc
  • 1974: Central Bank of Mauritania established
  • 1992: Second series banknotes introduced
  • 2009: Discovery of oil reserves
  • 2017: Currency redenomination (10:1), MRO discontinued
  • Exchange rate peg: Free floating (historical).

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: MRO
  • Symbols: MRO/UM
  • Currency Subunits: 5 khoums
  • Central Bank: Central Bank of Mauritania (historical monetary authority)
  • Monetary Policy: Historical: Managed floating exchange rate. Currency was redenominated in 2017 due to practical difficulties with large denominations.
  • Bills: 100 MRO, 200 MRO, 500 MRO, 1000 MRO, 2000 MRO, 5000 MRO
  • Coins: 1 khoum, 1 ouguiya, 5 ouguiya, 10 ouguiya, 20 ouguiya
  • USD Exchange Rate: Historical (2017): 365 MRO per USD
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: Nouakchott
  • Population: 4,736,139 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 1,030,700 km²
  • Languages: Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof, French
  • Time Zones: UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
  • Government Type: Presidential republic
  • Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
  • Independence: November 28, 1960 (from France)
  • Ethnic Groups: Moor 30%, Moor/Black African 40%, Black African 30%
  • Religions: Muslim 100%
  • Literacy Rate: 67% (2017 est.)
  • Transport: Nouakchott International Airport, limited road network, railway for iron ore transport, Atlantic ports
  • Communications: Basic telecommunications, 63% internet penetration, mobile network coverage
  • Energy: Fossil fuels 88%, Hydroelectric 12%, developing renewable energy projects
  • Countries Using This Currency: Mauritania (historical)
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Mauritania (historical data, now uses MRU), Economic Data: National Statistical Office Mauritania, World Bank, IMF historical data, Trade Data: Mauritanian Customs historical data, Demographic Data: National Statistical Office Mauritania, Geographic Data: National Meteorological Service, Historical Data: Central Bank of Mauritania archives
  • Last Updated: 2025
  • Note: DISCONTINUED CURRENCY: The old Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO) was replaced by the new ouguiya (MRU) on January 1, 2018, at a rate of 10 MRO = 1 MRU.