Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, turquoise lagoons, and rich cultural diversity shaped by African, Indian, European, and Chinese influences. The island's lush interior includes volcanic mountains and tropical forests, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and ecotourism.
- Capital
- Port Louis
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Area
- 2,040 km²
- Coordinates
- 20.28333333° S, 57.55° E
Country facts
- Mauritius is famous for being the only known home of the dodo, a flightless bird that went extinct in the late 17th century.
- The country was uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1598, making it one of the last large islands to be settled by humans.
- Mauritius has one of the highest Human Development Index scores in Africa, reflecting strong education and healthcare systems.
- The national language policy is unique, with Mauritian Creole widely spoken at home while English serves as the official language of government.
- The island hosts one of the world's great natural wonders in miniature — an underwater waterfall illusion created by sand and silt flowing off the ocean shelf.
Capital facts
- Port Louis was founded by the French in 1735 and named after King Louis XV of France.
- The city's Central Market is a vibrant historic bazaar selling spices, street food, and local crafts in a colonial-era building.
- Port Louis is home to the Champ de Mars racecourse, one of the oldest horse-racing venues in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where indentured labourers arrived from India in the 19th century.
- The city's waterfront district, known as Caudan Waterfront, is a modern hub of shops, restaurants, and a casino built on reclaimed land.