Rosso was once the capital of the Emirate of Trarza, a Precolonial Sahrawi dominated state in Africa. Under French colonial ruleSenegal and Mauritania were administered as a single entity. When independence came, the new frontier was drawn along the Senegal River, thus splitting the small town of Rosso in two. This article refers to Mauritanian Rosso, on the northern bank of the river. Originally a staging-post for the gum arabic trade, Rosso has grown rapidly since independence. From a population of a mere 2 300 in 1960 it has now overtaken Kaédi to become the 3rd largest city in the country with 48 922 inhabitants.
Languages
Southwestern Mauritania is predominantly a Wolof-speaking area, but many members of Mauritania's other ethnic groups have moved to the town to escape the severe problems of desertification further north.
Economy
Rosso occupies a strategic position at the international ferry-crossing on the main road between Nouakchott and the Senegalese capital of Dakar. Economically the town has benefited, but its fortunes are very dependent on the state of relations between the two countries. From 1990-92 the border crossing was closed, due to the Mauritania–Senegal Border War, and there have been repeated movements of refugees in both directions through the town.
Climate
Rosso has a hot desert climate. Rosso has the highest annual rainfall in the country, at 300mm/yr, and is one of the market towns which serve the narrow strip of agricultural land stretching along the southern frontier of Mauritania. But even here the Sahara is encroaching. Major irrigation projects have been carried out on the northern bank of the Senegal River, financed by the United Arab Emirates, allowing an expansion in the production of cash crops such as mint. In 2004 however up to 80% of crops were lost as a result of the infestation of locusts which affected the whole of the western Sahel. This was followed by a severe drought. It was a bitter irony then that in August 2005 some 10,000 people were displaced by flooding.
Recreation
The city is near the Diawling National Park. Rosso is also known for the internationally renowned . A small library, set up by the localCatholic priest, has been functioning since 2005. A technology institute - ISET - was opened in 2009, offering courses in agriculture.
Politics
The current Mayor, Professor Yerim Fassa, a doctor, was elected in 2007. Rosso has been twinned with Moissy-Cramayel since 1986. From August 2007 through May 2009, Michael Auerbach - Regional Coordinator for the United States Peace Corps - resided in Rosso as he evaluated the efficacy of existing gender equality movements in the region. He was succeeded by Brandon Forester, the final Regional Coordinator for the United States Peace Corps Program until the closure of the program in 2010.
