Everything about Mauritius

Welcome to Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean 800 km southeast of Madagascar. It consists of two main islands, Mauritius (1865 km2) and Rodrigues (109 km2) and two groups of outer islands, namely the St Brandon Archipelago (3 km2) and Agalega (c21 km2). The total land area of the Republic of Mauritius is 2,040 km2 with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending over more than 2 million square kilometres. Social and economic development is dependent on a very limited range of natural resources and a healthy environment. Over the years as a democratic developing country, Mauritius has been on the forefront of international trends to achieve development for socio-economic uplifting and enhancing the well being of the nation. Among the SIDS of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the socio economic performance of Mauritius has been good with a high Human Development Index (HDI: 0.779 in 2003) just after Seychelles (HDI: 0.811 in 2003). However, Mauritius remains one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 629 inhabitants per sq km.

About the State and Constitution of Mauritius

1. The State

 Mauritius shall be a sovereign democratic State which shall be known as the Republic of Mauritius. [Amended 48/91]

2. Constitution is supreme law
 This Constitution is the supreme law of Mauritius and if any other law is inconsistent with this Constitution, that          other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.

Facts and Figures

• Official Name Mauritius
• Capital City Port Louis
• Languages English (official), French, Hindi, others
• Official Currency Mauritian Rupee
• Religions Hindu, Christian, Muslim, others
• Population 1,240,827
• Land Area 1,860 sq km (718 sq miles)
• Time and Date in Port Louis
• Major languages: English, French (both official), Creole, Indian languages
• Major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
• Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Mauritian rupee=100 cents
• Main exports: Sugar, clothing, tea, jewellery
• GNI per capita: US $5,260 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .mu
• International dialling code: +230
• Leaders

-         President: Sir Anerood Jugnauth

-         Prime Minister: Dr Navin Ramgoolam

Language

English is the official language of the island, though you're bound to hear French, Créole (a melange of French and various African dialects) and a smattering of Indian languages. The diversity of the people, both ethnically and religiously, brings a great variety to the cultural resources of the country which include historic sites, fortifications, cemeteries, architecture, oral and written literature, music and dance, art galleries and crafts, religious festivals and cuisine.