Mauritania Mauritania joined the League of Arab States in 1973. Nature and Structure of Government: Capital: Nouakchott Type: Republic; military first seized power in bloodless coup 10 July 1978; a palace coup that took place on 12 December 1984 brought President Taya to power; he was elected in 1992 Long Form of Name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) Administrative Regions: 12 regions(regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba ...