The Desert Train..
Trains have been around for more than 2 centuries now. From steam locomotives to diesel engines, electric and maglev bullet trains , all have been depicted on banknotes by various countries. Hence a picture of a goods train on Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya currency note should be just like any other train right? Interestingly no. This is a unique train. And why?
Mauritania lies in the Sahara desert region of Africa. Dry arid climate, excessive heat leaves less chance for any vegetation. Sources of income and livelihood are limited. Iron Mining is a major source for the country’s economy. Huge amount of iron ore needs to be transported from interior areas to mainland ports. Only possible way of goods transport over large distances is by railway.
The train on the currency note is lifeline of Mauritania economy. It is primarily a goods train that runs along the single train track that exists within Mauritania. The 704 kms track connects the Iron mining location of Zouerat with the port of Nouadhibou on western edge of Africa.
The train itself is unique. It has a length of upto 3 kms, consists of 200 to 210 cars (bogies) with each car capable of carrying upto 84 tons of iron ore. This makes the train one of the longest and heaviest in the world. While passenger cars are sometimes attached to this train, locals mostly are allowed to travel freely over the iron ore cars. This is a very harsh journey through desert, with dry climate and temperatures beyond 40 deg Cel
Interesting Information
Mauritania borders a disputed region of Western Sahara, which is partly controlled by Morocco. About 20% of the region is controlled by Polisario front, a nationalist movement and is known as Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
A small length of about 5 kms of the Mauritania railway passes through this SADR region
Currency Note Facts
| Country | Mauritania |
| Region | Africa |
| Status | UN recognized country |
| Location | North West region of African continent |
| Currency | Ouguiya |
| Currency Note Displayed | 1000 Ouguiya (Polymer) |
| Catalog Pick | P-26 |
