Zouératt is the capital of the northern region of Tiris Zemmour and one of Mauritania's most important economic centers. This is solely due to iron ore mining, which is carried out in the vicinity of Zouérat in mines such as F'dérik and Rouessat. Before mining of raw materials, the town of 40,000 inhabitants was insignificant. Today, iron ore, which accounts for 40% of all Mauritanian exports, contributes significantly to the prosperity of the entire country. At the same time, the mines as well as the port of Nouadhibou are a magnet for migrant workers from the surrounding states. The city is divided into poorer and richer neighborhoods. Between them runs the popularly known "wall of shame" (mur de la honte). It is worth visiting the mining company to get an overall idea of how the iron ore is extractec from the mountains and loaded on the longest train in the world and the local museum though with its three halls covering prehistory, contemporary history and mine construction.
