Mauritius Geography
Mauritius is a pear-shaped island of 2,040 sq. km situated 20 south of the equator on longitude 57.7 east. It lies 2,036 km off the south-east coast of Africa. The coastline is fringed with white beaches and protected by coral reef almost all around expect for the southern coast that offers wilder strands or dramatic cliffs. From the northern plains, the land rises to central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets are scattered around the main island.
Mauritius Map
Mauritius Climate
There are no extreme temperatures either in summer or winter. In summer months, from November to April temperatures range from 23c to 33c, while winter, lasting from May to October, registers temperatures ranging between 17c to 23c.
Dry and wet seasons are not clearly defined although one can experience occasional cyclones during the wettest month from December to March.
Annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm on the coast to 1,500 mm on the central plateau. Sea temperatures in the lagoon vary from 22c to 27c.
Mauritius is thus considered as an all-year round destination.
Mauritius History
Mauritius was first discovered by Arab seafarers in the 9th century and was visited again at the beginning of the 16ht century by the Portuguese. The Dutch were the first colonize the island in 1598 and named it after Maurice of Nassau. They left around 1710 after introducing sugarcane crops, deer and monkeys. Meanwhile the ebony forests were destroyed be overexploitation and the dodo was exterminated. It became the emblem of endangered animal species and conservation worldwide.
Mauritius History
In 1751, the French took possession of the island and re-named it “Isle ode France”. In 1712, Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais founded Port Louis, which later became the island’s 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, built roads and bridges. Among his other achievements, one can mention the Government House, the Line Barracks, and Chateau Mon Plaisir at Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.
Nowadays Labourdonnais’ statue still stands guard facing Port Louis harbour. The british coveted this strategic island and in 1810 a major naval battle took place at Grand Port on the south-east coast of the island. 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. The 1814 Treaty of Paris ratified the cession of Mauritius and its dependencies, Rodrigues and Seychelles, to the British. But Reunion 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 law. This is the reason why French is still widely spoken although the British ruled the island for 158 years.
The British abolished slavery in 1835. As the newly freed slaves refuse to work in the plantations, indentured labourers were brought in from India. Chinese and Muslim trades were also attracted to these shores. Hence the melting pot which now constitutes the population of Mauritius.
Mauritius gained its independence from Britain on 12th of March 1968 and became a Republic on the 12th March 1992. It still forms part of the British Commonwealth and follows the Westminster pattern Government.
Mauritius Languages
With such a colourful background, most Mauritians are at least trilingual. English is the official language, but French and Creole are commonly used. Among the many oriental languages, Hindi and Bhojpuri are widely used. Hotel staff are also trained to converse with their guests in German, Italian and Spanish. The Mauritian literacy rate hovers around 90%.
Mauritius Population
The population of Mauritius is approximately 1.2 million including Rodrigues and outer islands.
Religion in Mauritius
Mauritians generally practice their religion in colourful ceremonies. Religious festivals light up the calendar all through the year. In the same area, one can come across a church, a temple, Masjid (mosque) or a pagoda. Mauritian work, play and pray together, showing a harmonious society respectful of each other’s religion.
Mauritius Currency and payments
The local Mauritian rupee is divided into 100 cents. The local money is available in coins (R1, Rs5, Rs10, as well as 5cs, 10cs, 20cs and 50cs) and in notes of Rs25, Rs50, Rs100, Rs200, Rs500, Rs1000 and Rs2000. Change counters offer their services at the airport and all over the island, namely through the banking network and at the main hotels.
Mauritius Currency
Most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist shops will take credit cards, namely American Express, MasterCard and Visa. There is a VAT of 15% on payment on goods and services.
Communication System in Mauritius
Mauritius is always on line through all the modern communication tools. One is kept informed by the local radios and television network as well as satellite networks and an active local press. Internet services are easily available at cyber cafes and GSM network keeps the visitors connected to the rest of world.
Health requirements
Smallpox – on vaccination certificate required; yellow Fever – a Certificate is required from the infected areas; Cholera – no vaccination certificate is required.