Néma

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Néma
Néma Location in Mauritania
Coordinates: 16°37′N 7°15′W / 16.617, -7.25
Country	‎ Mauritania
Region	Hodh Ech Chargui Region

Néma is a town in southeastern Mauritania, close to the border with Mali. It is located at around 16°37′0″N, 7°15′0″W. It is the capital of Hodh Ech Chargui Region and of the Néma Department.

While the urban population of Nema is approximately 50-60,000, the surrounding rural sites served by the city make it closer to 200,000. Mauritanians value brousse, or country, living as a throwback to their nomadic roots. "The Road of Hope," which stretches from the capital, Nouakchott, ends in Nema near the market quarter. There are ten quartiers, sections, of the city, the oldest being Edelibu Quartier, northeast of the road. Shovia Quartier, dating from the 1950s, is the only section south of the road.

There is a hospital with less than ten doctors but the women's services section is well-staffed and efficient. It is overseen by the DRAS, or regional medical director. As it is the capital of the Hodh-el-Shargi Region, Nema has a wali (regional governor), Maire (mayor for municipal affairs), and Hakim (deals with civil matters), in descending order of influence. There are eleven madrasas (primary schools), two colleges (middle schools), and a lycee (high school). These are overseen by the DREN, or regional education director. There is a Condition Feminine, or Women's Ministry, overseeen by a woman appointed by the national government. In addition, there are numerous NGOs (non-governmental organizations) present including Sante Sud, a French health organization and the Peace Corps (American). Woodside (now owned by Malaysian company Petronas), an Australian company that tests for mineral resources, will be present until December 2007.

The cultural demographic is predominantly Moor, but there are Pulaar and Bambara present. Nema is close to the Malian border and there is constant traffic, either heading south to Mali or north to the ancient town of Oulata (pronounced Walata). Tourism from Europe picks up in November and December when the temperatures become bearable.

Though there has been talk of commercial flights coming to Nema (there is an airport), they have not begun as of October 2007. The most common form of transport into and out of Nema is car, though donkey cart, camel, and foot is always available. There is one hotel, Hotel Deraha, on the west side of the city right off the road. Mauritanians are always hospitable, though, and it is entirely possible to find short-term lodging with complete strangers.

Nema is bounded on the north and east sides by small mountain plateaus and provides many opportunities for hiking.