Mauritius, known officially as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation located off the coast of the  African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean. It is a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline.
Mauritius 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:
- Black River
- Flacq
- Grand Port
- Moka
- Pamplemousses
- Plaines Wilhems
- Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius)
- Rivière du Rempart
- Savanne
Mauritius Main Cities and Places of Interest
Mauritius History
Mauritius, an island of volcanic origin sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as 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.
Some additional Information:
What to wear
When visiting Mauritius it is advisable to take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering a religious premises.
Emergency numbers
- Police : 999 / 112
- Ambulance : 999 / 114
- Fire : 995 / 115
- Information : 150
Flights from Europe
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.
Working Hours
Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm, Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm, Saturday : 9 am – 1pm
Currency
The Mauritian unit of currency is the rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (c). There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents, and of 1, 5 and 10 Rupees (Rs). The bank note denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.
Shopping
Shopping hours in the main cities ranges from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centers (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Mauritius.
Time
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of mid-European Time (2 hours difference during the winter time, and 4 hours difference during the summer time).
Telecommunications
Mauritius has international direct dialing facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and Internet services.
Driving
Driving is on the left, with priority to the right.
Electricity
International Country Calling code - Mauritius
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