Mauritius Island

ABOUT 

Mauritius, known officially as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation located off the southeast coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. It is a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline.

The island is situated approximately 2400 kilometers off the South East Coast of Africa. The island covers an area of 1,865 square kilometers or 720 square miles, with 330 kilometers of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

Mauritius is a densely populated island of around 1.2 million people. It has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population. Mauritius is known as a plural society where all the ethnic groups present: Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans live in peace and where all the ancestral cultures have been preserved. These features make the island a unique place in the world, and the Mauritians known for their tolerance and kindness towards all people.

Most Mauritians are bilingual being equally fluent in French and English. English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Oriental languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic.

Mauritius has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories, being a sugar and clothing exporter and a center for up market tourism.

The island of Mauritius itself is divided into nine districts:

1. Black River
2. Flacq
3. Grand Port
4. Moka
5. Pamplemousses
6. Plaines Wilhems
7. Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius)
8. Rivière du Rempart
9. Savanne

Mauritius History

Mauritius was first discovered by the Arabs as early as in the 10th century, but officially explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. The Dutch were the ones who named the island in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU.

Mauritius was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and later by the French (1715-1810).

The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing the Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane.
The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars through the Treaty of Paris. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later on, an air station playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent.

What is Mauritius famous for?

Mauritius is famous for the Dodo (an extinct flightless bird the size of a swan), a multicultural population, incredible expensive resorts (up to $600 a night and more) the island caters for the more wealthy customers, Mauritius rum, sugar and fruit jams, the Seven Coloured Earths, an underwater waterfall, the Giant water lilies in the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, ravanne drum and Sega music, and nice golf courses.

Extinct Dodo Legacy: Mauritius is famous for being the home of the extinct flightless bird, the dodo, which has become a symbol of the island's biodiversity.

Cultural Melting Pot: Mauritius boasts a rich multicultural heritage, blending Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences into a vibrant tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines.

Mesmerizing Underwater Illusion: Off the coast of Mauritius, an optical illusion known as the "underwater waterfall" captivates visitors with its breathtaking appearance created by sand and sediment deposits.

Priceless Stamps: The Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis showcases two of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world, the "Blue Penny" and the "Red Penny," providing a glimpse into Mauritius' philatelic history.

Kaleidoscope of Colors: Mauritius dazzles with its vibrant landscapes, from the enchanting Seven Colored Earths at Chamarel Plain to the vivid coral reefs surrounding the island.

UNESCO Heritage: Aapravasi Ghat, a former immigration depot, and the Le Morne Cultural Landscape are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect Mauritius' historical and cultural significance.

Rum Paradise: Mauritius is renowned for its rum production, offering rum enthusiasts a chance to indulge in tastings and immerse themselves in the island's rum-making traditions.

Thriving Biodiversity: Despite its small size, Mauritius boasts an impressive array of unique plant and animal species, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.

Delectable Street Food: Mauritius tantalizes taste buds with its iconic street food, including the beloved dholl puri, a lentil-filled flatbread, and the spicy and tangy seafood vindaye.

Majestic Waterfalls: Explore the breathtaking waterfalls of Mauritius, such as Tamarin Falls, Alexandra Falls, and Chamarel Waterfall, as they cascade down lush green landscapes.