Mauritius is strategically positioned in the heart of the Indian Ocean, about 800 km (500 miles) east of Madagascar, and is thus the perfect tropical getaway. Given its lovely climate, the island is an all-year-round destination, riddled with high-end tourism resorts integrated in its environment. Access to Mauritius is easy as the island is served by regular flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, via its national carrier, Air Mauritius, as well as a multitude of international airlines.
Demographics
Capital
Port Louis
Location
Latitude 20o South, longitude 52.5o East
Area
2 040 km2 (788 sq. miles), including Rodrigues and the outer islands
Time zone
GMT + 4 hours, CET + 3 hours
Population
1.3 million (approx.)
Calling code
+230
Geography
Mauritius' white beaches are protected by a coral reef barrier that encircles almost all of the coastline, with the exception of the southern end, where it falls away and where wilder waters and dramatic cliffs can be observed. From the northern plains, the land rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets area are scattered around the main island.
Climate
Summer
November to April (temperature varying between 23oC and 33oC, with occasional cyclones)
Winter
May to October (temperature varying between 17oC and 23oC)
Wettest months
December to March
Annual rainfall
900 mm on the Coast and 1500 mm on the Central Plateau
Sea temperature
Between 22oC and 27o
History
Date
Event
9th Century
The Arabs discovered Mauritius.
16th Century
The Portuguese visited Mauritius.
1598
The Dutch who were the first to colonise Mauritius, named it after their ruler, Prince Maurice Van Nassau. Ebony forests were destroyed by over exploitation and the dodo was exterminated. It later became the symbol of endangered animal species and conservation worldwide.
1710
The Dutch left Mauritius.
1715
The French took possession of the island and renamed it "Île de France".
1721
Governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais founded Port Louis, which later became the capital. He turned the island into a prosperous French colony and a port of call on the sea journey from Europe to the Far East round the Cape of Good Hope. He established Port Louis as a naval base and built roads and bridges. Among his other achievements are the building of the Government House, the Line Barracks, and Château de Mon Plaisir at Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. Nowadays, Labourdonnais' statue stands guard, facing Port Louis harbour.
1810
A major naval battle took place in Grand Port on the south-east coast of the island in this year. It was the only naval battle won by Napoleon, and is thus duly engraved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, three months later, the British launched a surprise attack from the north of the island and the French governor General Charles Decaen surrendered.
1814
The 1814 Treaty of Paris ratified the cession of Mauritius and its dependencies, Rodrigues and Seychelles, to the British. Réunion Island, which was also captured by the British, was returned to France. The island took its former name of Mauritius, and English became the official language. However, according to the Treaty of Paris, the population was to keep its language, its religion and its laws. This is the reason why French is still widely spoken, despite the fact that the British ruled the island for 158 years.
1835
The British Abolished Slavery. As the newly freed slaves refused to work in the plantations, indentured labourers were brought in from India. Chinese and Muslim traders were also attracted to these shores - hence the melting pot which now constitutes the population of Mauritius.
1968
Mauritius gained its independence. Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam became the first Prime Minister. Mauritius still forms part of the British Commonwealth and follows the Westminster pattern of Government.
1992
Mauritius became a Republic.
Language
English is the official language of Mauritius but French and native Creole are commonly used. Oriental languages are also spoken. Many hotel employees are fluent in German, Italian and Spanish.
Government
The democratic state is based on the Westminster model. There are 62 Members of Parliament, and elections are held every five years. The President is the head of the state but constitutional power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Economy
The Mauritian Economy rests on four main pillars: Tourism, Textiles, Sugar and the services sector.
Telecommunication
International direct dialling facilities are available throughout the island. International phone cards are available for purchase at many shops . Post offices operate in most towns and villages. Internet services are readily available at cybercafés. Most hotels provide postal and Internet services.
Religion
Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism co-exist peacefully.
Currency
The Mauritian Rupee (MUR/Rs) = 100 cents
Approximate indicative rate of exchange:
1 Euro (€) = Rs 40.00
1 Pound Sterling (£) = Rs 50.09
1 US Dollar ($) = Rs 35.09
1 South African Rand (ZAR) = Rs 2.38 Click here for currency converter - live rates
Change counters are available at the airport. Foreign currency notes, drafts and travellers' cheques may be carried to Mauritius without restriction.
* Tipping is not compulsory, but only at your own discretion.
