🇲🇷Ouguiya (MRU)
Mauritania introduced the ouguiya in 1973, replacing the CFA franc it had used since independence in 1960 and becoming the second of only two countries with a non-decimal currency, dividing 1 ouguiya into 5 khoums rather than 100 subunits. In 2018 the central bank redenominated the currency, replacing the old ouguiya (MRO) with a new ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 10 old to 1 new, primarily to simplify pricing after years of inflation.
MRU ⇄ USD Converter
History
Mauritania introduced the ouguiya in 1973, replacing the CFA franc it had used since independence in 1960 and becoming the second of only two countries with a non-decimal currency, dividing 1 ouguiya into 5 khoums rather than 100 subunits. In 2018 the central bank redenominated the currency, replacing the old ouguiya (MRO) with a new ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 10 old to 1 new, primarily to simplify pricing after years of inflation.
Denominations
Ouguiya banknotes commonly circulate in these denominations:
- 20, 50, 100 ouguiya — common notes for everyday transactions
- 200, 500 ouguiya — mid-value notes
- 1,000, 2,000 ouguiya — higher-value notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for the ouguiya?
The ouguiya's symbol is UM. Its ISO 4217 currency code is MRU (the new ouguiya, since a 2018 redenomination).
Why was the ouguiya redenominated in 2018?
Mauritania's central bank replaced the old ouguiya (MRO) with a new one (MRU) at a rate of 10 old to 1 new, mainly to simplify prices and accounting after years of inflation had pushed everyday amounts into large numbers.
Is the ouguiya divided into 100 subunits like most currencies?
No — it's one of only two non-decimal currencies in the world (alongside Madagascar's ariary), splitting into 5 khoums rather than 100 of a subunit.
Where can I see rates for other African currencies?
Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.