Country Profile · No. 33

Mauritius

Capital / Admin Capital

Port LouisPopulation: ~1.3MIndependence: 1968 (March 12)

First Prime Minister

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (Led independence as Prime Minister in 1968, served until 1982)Current Prime Minister: Pravind Jugnauth (Serving since January 2017)

Geography & Borders

Island nation located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, approximately 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. Volcanic island surrounded by protective coral reefs.

Demographics & Language

Hinduism (~48%), Christianity (~32%), Islam (~17%). Official: None de jure, but English language is official in parliament and French language widely used in media. Lingua franca: Mauritian Creole. Major groups: Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, Franco-Mauritian.

Economy & GDP

Financial services, offshore business, tourism and luxury resorts, textile manufacturing, sugarcane, seafood processing.

Global Diaspora

1. United Kingdom (~50k–70k), 2. France (~40k), 3. Australia (~25k), 4. United States (~10k– 15k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): California, New York, Florida.

Major Conflicts

Colonial naval battles between the French Empire and the British Royal Navy (notably the Battle of Grand Port in 1810 resulting in British capture of the island).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Le Morne Brabant (Dramatic UNESCO-listed basaltic mountain symbolizing the resistance of escaped slaves), 2. Chamarel Seven Colored Earths (Vibrant rolling sand dunes featuring distinct natural layers of colored volcanic ash), 3. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (Pamplemousses) (Historic tropical garden famous for giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies).

Quick Facts

The former and only home of the flightless dodo bird before its extinction in the late 17th century; consistently ranks as one of the most politically stable and economically prosperous democracies in Africa.