Néma is a bustling city in Western Mauritania that sits across a large salt pan. It is part of the Adrar region and serves as a major administrative and commercial hub for the area. With a population of over 100,000 people, Néma boasts a thriving economy with a focus on agriculture, mining, and artisanal crafts. Its rich history is evident in the many ancient ruins and traditional markets in the city, making it a fascinating destination for travelers and expats alike.
Tips for expats in Néma
Visa requirements
Citizens from most West African countries, such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau, do not require a visa to enter Néma. Teh utfur (a supporting document that lists the names, passport numbers, and other details of individuals traveling together) is required instead. Cameroonians, Egyptians, Nigerians, and other African nationalities who require a visa may obtain one on arrival at Hassan Dior (Néma's international airport) or at the Mauritanian Embassy in their home country.
Language resources
French is the official administrative language in Néma, and Arabic is widely spoken as well. Expats seeking to improve their language skills may consider taking courses at Language Schools like Darāt, AL Marwah Cultural Center, and Nour & Associés Brewery. Onsite language classes and exchange programs tailored for foreigners are also available at local universities, which significantly enhance language proficiency in both French and Arabic.
Cost of living for expats in Néma
Housing
The cost of housing in Néma is relatively low compared to other West African cities. A small room in a shared house could cost between 20,000 - 40,000 CFA Francs (approximately $33 - $66) per month. Households with higher demands could secure one-bedroom apartments that range from 50,000 - 100,000 CFA Francs (approximately $84 - $167) per month. Three-bedroom apartments or houses tend to be larger in size and could cost upward of 300,000 CFA Francs (approximately $500) per month.
Groceries
The cost of groceries in Néma is relatively low compared to the neighboring countries, such as Senegal and Mauritania's capital, Nouakchott. Staple products like rice, pasta, and bread are widely available at local markets like Souk El Had, while meat, poultry, and fruits and vegetables are sold at specialized shops. The cost of basic grocery items could range from 500 - 4000 CFA Francs (approximately $0.84 - $6.67) per item.
Transportation
Public transportation in Néma is affordable, with the average fare for a commuter taxi ride ranging from 500 - 2000 CFA Francs (approximately $0.84 - $3.33). Motorcycle taxis, aka 'bikers,' cost around 500 CFA Francs per ride, while official taxis operated by the licensed taxi company, Taxis Fecca, can cost between 500 - 1500 CFA Francs per ride.
Climate in Néma
Néma has a desert climate with extreme temperatures throughout the year. Summers are scorching hot, with temperatures soaring as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The dry season, which lasts from November to May, is characterized by clear skies and little rainfall. Winter, which begins in June and lasts through October, is milder, with daytime temps hovering around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and chilly nights that drop to as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is a rare occurrence during the dry season, but occasional downpours are possible during the rainy season from June to September.
Job market in Néma
Néma's economy is diverse and multi-faceted, with opportunities in agriculture, mining, and artisanal crafts. Agriculture remains a crucial sector, as the surrounding areas are rich in arable land and irrigation systems. Many locals work in rice farming, animal husbandry, and livestock breeding. The contiguity of Mauritania's western and southern borders with two major West African states, Senegal and Mali, has further contributed to the diversification of the city's economy. Néma is home to several gold-mining production sites and has a significant concentration of financial service institutions, owing to its position as a key commercial and administrative center. Small-scale and medium-scale enterprises in the arts and aviation sectors are also prospering, showcasing the cultural heritage of the local communities. Foreigners can secure jobs in a range of sectors, but finding employment is relatively difficult as most positions are already filled by locals.
Healthcare in Néma
Néma has a range of healthcare facilities that provide primary and secondary care to residents. St. Joseph Hospital is the largest medical center in the city, and it offers a range of services, from maternity care and pediatric medicine to surgery and advanced diagnostics. The National Health Insurance System (SNAS) administers universal healthcare coverage to eligible Mauritanians, and foreigners are not excluded from accessing healthcare services. However, private healthcare options are available for those seeking quality care, and the costs can be high compared to public healthcare facilities. Moreover, surgeons and specialists in the major health centers have proficiency in Arabic and French, but expats are encouraged to carry medicaments, vaccinations, and supplementary insurance plans that are tailored to their needs.
Transport in Néma
Like many West African cities, Néma is primarily characterized by shared minibus taxis known as 'seffer taxi.' The fare system in this city is commuter-based, and passengers pay as per the distance covered. The routes are mapped using colored codes (green for zone 1, orange for zone 2, and yellow for zone 3) to make transportation easier for commuters. Some areas, including downtown Néma and the city center, are also accessible by motorcycle taxis known as 'bikers.' The official taxi company in the city, Taxis Fecca, has an extensive reach in Néma, while other taxi companies offer counter services in the surrounding areas. Intercity transportation through buses, trains, and shared four-wheel-drive trucks is available, but the schedules can be erratic, unreliable, and uncomfortable, particularly in the dry season.
Safety in Néma
Néma is considered a safe city for expats, but there have been some incidents of burglary and street crime, especially in the evening and night-time in some parts of the city. Expats are advised to exercise caution while walking alone in unfamiliar zones and to avoid displaying expensive accessories, such as jewelry, electronic devices, and watches. Stick to well-lit areas, and if possible, travel in groups to public places, such as markets, supermarkets, and cultural centers. Some areas on the fringes of the city, such as Néma 7-Kilomètre, Chami, and Rosso, have relatively high rates of crime and should be approached with particular caution during the evening rush hours and late-night hours. Expats are strongly advised to carry their passports and a clear ID card at all times and to exchange their local currency at bank branches or authorized currency exchanges.
Neighborhoods in Néma
Néma 1
Néma's downtown area is characterized as Néma 1, and it lays parallel to the posh Rosso neighborhood. This area is predominantly inhabited by traders and businesspeople who run shops and stores selling goods at competitive prices. Street food vendors, often women, spread across this zone, selling everything from Tuo Zaafi (a popular Sudanese rice pudding) to Senegalese pastries mainly nominated as thiéboudiènes, thus selecting preference according to one's craving.
Néma 7-Kilomètre
Néma 7-Kilomètre is a relatively new district established for the smooth execution of urban agriculture projects. While the government-led intensive urban agricultural projects remain under discussion, small-scale farmers and urban cultivators, mostly women, are using the space to cultivate crops, some of which serve as ingredients for traditional dishes in supermarkets that line the edges of this area. Coffee pots, buckets, and limes are also sold in stalls within the vicinity.
Chami
Chami is a residential district that houses low and medium-income households in Néma. This area is popular for traditional artisanal cooperatives that produce fashion items, leatherware, and woolen crafts. Recent years have marked the growth of non-profit organizations and student groups that offer after-school programs, assisting educational-aimed projects at nearby schools, and assisting the general young adult community. Modern street-style graffiti can also be found here.
Attractions in Néma
Yeledès,
Yeledés is an ancient fortified citadel that dates back to the 9th century. Located outside the city's perimeter, this site bears testimony to an era when Néma was a dominant urban center. A cluster of crumbling walls, old stone sculptures, and centuries-old watchtowers litter the vast terrains. Yeledés' lesser-known fact lies in the interpretation that it served as a dwelling for the Ghanoua, who originated from Ghana and fellow trans-Saharan minorities who migrated to Néma centuries ago. These facts have significantly percolated through the Berber, Arabic, and French-speaking community as folklore.
Mausoleum of Tillet,
Tillet is a scholastic personality who significantly contributed towards the religious syncretism that connects Berber, Arabic, and French-speaking multilingual communities in Néma. He fully supported Néma's conversion to Islam during the Late Middle Ages. This importance is forever etched on his tomb within the less populated eastern zone, where an atmosphere of distillation of prayers fills the niche. French, Berber, and Arabic inscriptions appear in brilliant white tiles amidst the mausoleum.
Grande Mosquée de Néma,
Néma's main mosque, known as Grande Mosquée de Néma, serves as a prominent meeting and summoning ground during prayers and festivals. It harmoniously couples French and Arabic architectural styles, presenting grandeur that bears a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage stretching back centuries.
International Schools in Néma
Ecole Française de Néma,
Centre Ville,
Ecole Française de Néma, which is managed by the AEF (Association des Écoles Françaises Abroad), teaches a French syllabus to students residing in Néma and its neighboring areas. The school's curriculum caters to children ranging from nursery through high school. The official language of instruction at EEF is French, with English and Arabic being taught as optional foreign language courses. Expat children who wish to enroll in this school must furnish birth certificates, vaccination records, and elementary school credentials to aid the enrollment process' faster circulation.
The Amazing Place Educational Center,
Nema9,
The Amazing Place Educational Center, better known as the Amazing School, is an English-speaking private school that educates children from diverse cultural backgrounds. This school's academic calendar aligns with the Western educational model, covering elementary school through high school education. Students are exposed to a conducive learning atmosphere, and the center showcases separate classrooms for infants, kindergartens, elementary school students, and high school students. Expat children who wish to enroll in the Amazing School must fulfil prerequisites, including birth certificates, immunization records, and school transcripts. The Amazing School's management also offers bus transportation services around Néma's central area.
Useful expat resources in Néma
Le Comptoir
The perfect spot for delicious Italian and French cuisine, with the ambiance of a cozy café.
La Cantina
Quirky café serving international cuisine and drinks, popular among expats in Néma.
La Creperie de N´dama
Offers traditional Mauritanian and international cuisine, perfect for expats looking to explore local culture.
Ariana Hospital
Top-rated hospital in Mauritania providing quality medical care to expats.
Air Mauritanie
The national airline of Mauritania offers flights to major destinations, including Néma.
