Zouerate

Zouérat developed from its importance to iron ore mining.

A shanty town has grown around Zouérat since 2006, prompting authorities to construct a wall nicknamed the 'mur de la honte' (wall of shame).

Zouérat is connected to the port of Nouadhibou by the Mauritania Railway, which also brings in all the town's drinking water from Boulenoir.

Freight trains transporting iron ore to the coast can be as long as 2.5 km (1.6 mi) in length.

Zouérat has a hot desert climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions throughout the year.