Mauritius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Mauritius
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.svg) Coat of arms
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Anthem: "Motherland"
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Islands of the Republic of Mauritius
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Islands of the Republic of Mauritius labelled in black. Tromelin is currently claimed by Mauritius. The Chagos Archipelago are set to be transferred to Mauritius in 2025.
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| Capital and largest city
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Port Louis 20°12′S 57°30′E / 20.2°S 57.5°E |
| Official languages | None (de jure) (de facto) |
| Lingua franca | Mauritian Creole |
| Language spoken at home (2022) |
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| Ethnic groups |
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| Religion
(2022)
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| Demonym(s) | Mauritian |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Dharam Gokhool | |
| Robert Hungley | |
| Navin Ramgoolam | |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Independence
from the United Kingdom
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• Constitution of Mauritius
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12 March 1968 |
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• Republic
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12 March 1992 |
| Area | |
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• Total
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2,040 km2 (790 sq mi) (169th) |
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• Water (%)
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0.07 |
| Population | |
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• 2022 census
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1,235,260 |
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• Density
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605.5/km2 (1,568.2/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2025 estimate |
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• Total
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 $42.810 billion (137th) |
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• Per capita
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$33,954 (60th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2025 estimate |
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• Total
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$16.515 billion (133th) |
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• Per capita
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$13,099 (69th) |
| Gini (2017) | 36.8 medium |
| HDI (2023) | 0.806 very high · 73rd |
| Currency | Mauritian rupee (MUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (MUT) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy (AD) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +230 |
| ISO 3166 code | MU |
| Internet TLD | .mu |
Mauritius, officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean. It's about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) off the southeastern coast of East Africa, east of Madagascar. The country includes the main island, also called Mauritius, along with other islands like Rodrigues, Agaléga, and St. Brandon.
The islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues, plus nearby Réunion (which belongs to France), are part of the Mascarene Islands. The main island of Mauritius is where most people live. It's also home to the capital and largest city, Port Louis. The country covers 2,040 square kilometers (787 square miles). It also has a huge ocean area around it, called an exclusive economic zone, which is about 2 million square kilometers (772,200 square miles).
Sailors from the Arab world might have found the island around 975 AD. They possibly named it Dina Arobi. Later, Portuguese sailors visited in 1507. In 1598, a Dutch fleet landed and claimed the island. They named it Mauritius after Maurice, Prince of Orange. The Dutch tried to settle there to use the ebony forests and grow sugar. They brought enslaved people from Madagascar to work.
French colonization began in 1715, and the island was renamed "Isle de France". In 1810, the United Kingdom took control of the island. Under the Treaty of Paris, France gave Mauritius and its nearby islands to the UK. The British colony of Mauritius included Rodrigues, Agaléga, St. Brandon, and the Chagos Archipelago. Mauritius became a major sugar-producing colony for the British Empire until it gained independence in 1968.
In 1965, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius. They created the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The people living there were moved away from their homes. The largest island, Diego Garcia, was leased to the United States for a military base. Recently, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has said the Chagos Islands should be returned to Mauritius. An agreement in 2025 will make this happen.
Because of its location and history, the people of Mauritius come from many different backgrounds. They have diverse cultures, languages, and religions. It is the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the most common religion. Most people are of Indian origin, but there are also many people of Creole, Chinese, and French descent.
Mauritius has a government similar to the British system. It is known for its strong economy and political freedom. It is often ranked as the most peaceful country in Africa. The government provides free universal health care and free education up to university level. Students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities also get free public transport.
Mauritius is famous for its amazing plants and animals. Many unique species live only there. The dodo bird, which could not fly, lived only on the main island. Sadly, it became extinct soon after people settled there. Other unique animals, like the echo parakeet and the pink pigeon, are still alive. People are working hard to protect them.
Contents
Understanding the Name of Mauritius
The first map showing the island, from 1502, called it Dina Arobi. This name likely came from Arab sailors. In 1507, Portuguese sailors visited the island. They might have named it Cirne or Do-Cerne after one of their ships.
In 1598, a Dutch fleet landed and named the island Mauritius. This was to honor Maurice, Prince of Orange, who was a leader of the Dutch Republic. Later, when France took over, they renamed it "Isle de France".
On December 3, 1810, the French gave the island to the United Kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars. Under British rule, the island's name went back to Mauritius. In French, it's often called Maurice or Île Maurice. In Mauritian Creole, it's called Moris.
A Look at its History
Early Days and Dutch Rule
The island of Mauritius was empty before Arab sailors visited it around the end of the 10th century. The Treaty of Tordesillas gave Portugal the right to explore this part of the world. In 1507, Portuguese sailors came to the island and set up a temporary base. Diogo Fernandes Pereira was the first European known to land there. He named it "Ilha do Cisne" (Island of the Swan). The Portuguese did not stay long.
The Mascarene Islands were named after Pedro Mascarenhas. He was a Portuguese leader who visited the islands in 1512. Rodrigues Island was named after another Portuguese explorer, Diogo Rodrigues. He found that island in 1528.
In 1598, a Dutch group led by Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck landed. They named the island "Mauritius" after Maurice, Prince of Orange. The Dutch settled on the island in 1638. They cut down ebony trees and brought sugar cane, farm animals, and deer. From here, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman set off to explore new lands.
The first Dutch settlement lasted 20 years. In 1639, the Dutch East India Company brought enslaved people from Madagascar. They forced them to cut ebony trees and work on tobacco and sugar cane farms. The Dutch tried to build a lasting colony several times, but it never worked out. So, they left Mauritius in 1710.
French Rule (1715–1810)
France already controlled nearby Île Bourbon (now Réunion). In 1715, France took control of Mauritius and renamed it Isle de France. In 1723, laws about slavery were put in place. These laws treated enslaved people as property.
The arrival of French governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735 helped the island's economy grow. It became strong because of sugar production. Mahé de La Bourdonnais made Port Louis a naval base and a place to build ships. Many buildings from his time are still standing today.
During French rule, more enslaved people were brought from parts of Africa. This caused the island's population to grow a lot. By the early 1800s, there were 60,000 enslaved people on the island. In 1729, some Indians from Pondicherry, India, arrived in Mauritius. They were craftsmen who later gained their freedom.
From 1767 to 1810, French government officials controlled the island. There was a short time during the French Revolution when the people on the island governed themselves. This was because they wanted to end slavery, which the government in Paris tried to stop.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Mauritius became a base for French ships. These ships attacked British trading vessels. This continued until 1810, when the Royal Navy came to capture the island. Even though the French won the Battle of Grand Port, they could not stop the British from landing later. The French officially gave up the island on December 3, 1810. The British allowed the settlers to keep their land and use the French language and laws. Under British rule, the island's name went back to Mauritius.
British Rule (1810–1968)
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The British government brought many changes to Mauritius. Slavery was slowly ended after 1833. Plantation owners received money for the loss of their enslaved workers. To replace the workers, many indentured laborers were brought from India. These workers signed contracts to work for a certain time. Between 1834 and 1921, about half a million indentured laborers came to the island. They worked on sugar farms, in factories, and on construction sites.
Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis was the main place where these workers arrived. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Indian laborers were not always treated fairly. A man named Adolphe de Plevitz helped them. In 1871, he helped them send a petition to the governor. This led to new rules that improved the lives of Indian laborers.
In 1885, a new constitution was introduced. It allowed some people to vote for elected positions. However, only wealthy French and Indian people who owned land could vote. In 1886, Gnanadicarayen Arlanda became the first person of Indian origin to join the ruling council.
In the early 1900s, cars and taxis were introduced. Electricity came to Port Louis in 1909. The 1910s saw political changes. A new group, led by Eugène Laurent, wanted more people to vote. This group was called Action Libérale.
World War I started in 1914. Many Mauritians volunteered to fight. The war actually brought good times to Mauritius because sugar prices went up. After the war, sugar prices dropped, and many sugar farms closed. This changed the power of the sugar owners.
In 1936, the Labour Party was formed. It was started by Maurice Curé. This party worked to improve conditions for workers. Strikes in 1937 led to reforms that made working conditions better. Labour Day was celebrated for the first time in 1938.
During World War II, life was hard. Prices for goods went up, but workers' pay did not. There were protests, and the government tried to stop labor unions. In 1943, police shot at striking workers at Belle Vue Harel Sugar Estate, killing four people. This event is known as the 1943 Belle Vue Harel Massacre.
After a new constitution in 1947, elections were held in 1948. For the first time, all adults who could write their name could vote. The Labour Party won most votes. In 1948, Emilienne Rochecouste became the first woman elected to the Legislative Council.
More changes happened in the 1950s and 1960s. The right to vote was given to all adults in 1959. The Labour Party, led by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, won the election again. In 1961, plans for more self-government were made.
In 1965, there were some racial riots in Mauritius. A state of emergency was declared.
Becoming Independent and a Republic (1968-Present)
In 1965, Britain decided to give Mauritius full independence. A general election was held in 1967, and the Independence Party won. In January 1968, there were riots in Port Louis before independence was declared.
Mauritius became an independent country on March 12, 1968. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the first prime minister. Queen Elizabeth II remained the head of state as Queen of Mauritius.
In 1969, the opposition party, Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), was started by Paul Bérenger. In 1971, strikes led to a state of emergency. Some MMM members, including Paul Bérenger, were put in prison.
In 1973, Mauritius became the first country in Africa to be free from malaria. In 1975, students protested for a better education system. The right to vote was then given to 18-year-olds.
In 1982, a new government was elected. However, there were disagreements among the leaders. The government split up. Later, a new group won the elections in 1983. This period saw growth in factories and tourism. New hotels were built, and the stock exchange opened.
On March 12, 1992, Mauritius became a republic. This was 24 years after independence. The British monarch was no longer the head of state. The last governor-general, Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, became the first President. Political power stayed with the prime minister.
In 1999, there were some civil unrest and riots. A group was set up to find out why people were unhappy. In 2002, the island of Rodrigues became a self-governing area within Mauritius. In 2003, Paul Bérenger became prime minister, and Sir Anerood Jugnauth became president.
In 2017, Pravind Jugnauth became prime minister. In 2018, President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned. The current president is Prithvirajsing Roopun, who started in December 2019.
In November 2019, the ruling party won the elections. This gave Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth another five-year term. In July 2020, a ship called MV Wakashio ran aground. It spilled a lot of oil into the ocean, causing a big environmental disaster.
Geography of Mauritius
Mauritius covers 2,040 square kilometers (787 square miles). It is the 170th largest country in the world by size. The Republic of Mauritius includes the main island and several smaller islands. The country's ocean area, called its exclusive economic zone, is about 2.3 million square kilometers (888,000 square miles).
Mauritius Island
Mauritius Island is 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) off the southeast coast of Africa. It is 65 kilometers (40 miles) long and 45 kilometers (28 miles) wide. Its land area is 1,864.8 square kilometers (720 square miles). The island has over 150 kilometers (93 miles) of white sandy beaches. Its lagoons are protected by the world's third-largest coral reef.
There are about 49 uninhabited islands and islets near the coast. Many of these are natural reserves for endangered species.
Mauritius Island was formed by volcanoes about 8 million years ago. It is part of the Mascarene Islands, along with Saint Brandon, Réunion, and Rodrigues. These islands were created by huge underwater volcanic eruptions. The volcanoes on Mauritius are no longer active.
The island has mountains that range from 300 to 800 meters (980 to 2,620 feet) high. The land rises from the coast to a central plateau, which is 670 meters (2,200 feet) high. The highest point is Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Many streams and rivers flow across the island.
Rodrigues Island
The self-governing island of Rodrigues is 560 kilometers (348 miles) east of Mauritius. It has an area of 108 square kilometers (42 square miles). Rodrigues is a volcanic island with hills. Its highest point is Mountain Limon at 398 meters (1,306 feet). The island also has a coral reef. In 2019, about 43,371 people lived on Rodrigues.
Chagos Archipelago
The Chagos Archipelago is made up of islands and atolls. It is about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) northeast of the main island of Mauritius. These islands are expected to be returned to Mauritius in 2025. They were previously part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The island of Diego Garcia will remain under British control for now.
The Chagos Archipelago includes islands like Peros Banhos, the Salomon Islands, and Nelsons Island. To the southwest are The Three Brothers, Eagle Islands, Egmont Islands, and Danger Island. Diego Garcia is in the southeast. Many people from Chagos now live in Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK.
St. Brandon
St. Brandon, also known as the Cargados Carajos shoals, is 402 kilometers (250 miles) northeast of Mauritius Island. It is a group of islands, with 28 to 40 islands in total. The number changes depending on storms and sand movements. In 2002, UNESCO considered St. Brandon for a World Heritage Site.
In 2024, the Saint Brandon Conservation Trust was launched. Its goal is to protect and restore St. Brandon's natural environment.
Agaléga Islands
The two islands of Agaléga are about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of Mauritius. The North Island is 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) wide. The South Island is 7 by 4.5 kilometers (4.3 by 2.8 miles). Both islands together cover 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). In 2019, about 274 people lived on Agaléga and St. Brandon.
Tromelin
Tromelin Island is 430 kilometers (267 miles) northwest of Mauritius. Mauritius claims this island, but it is officially part of France.
When France gave Mauritius to Britain in 1814, the agreement did not specifically mention Tromelin. Mauritius believes that because Tromelin was part of the French colony of "Isle de France," it should have been transferred to Britain. Other islands like Agaléga and St. Brandon were also not mentioned but became part of British Mauritius. British officials in Mauritius also managed Tromelin for many years. France and Mauritius tried to agree on sharing control in 2010, but it was not finalized.
Chagos Archipelago Dispute
Mauritius has long wanted to regain control over the Chagos Archipelago. These islands are about 1,287 kilometers (800 miles) northeast of Mauritius. Chagos was part of Mauritius since the 18th century. In 1965, before Mauritius became independent, the United Kingdom separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius. They created the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
The UK leased the main island, Diego Garcia, to the United States for a military base. In 2016, the lease was extended until 2036. Mauritius says that separating its territories before independence was against United Nations rules. They claim the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, is part of Mauritius.
Between 1968 and 1973, British officials moved over 1,000 Chagossians from their homes to Mauritius and the Seychelles. British officials were also accused of ordering the killing of the island's dog population. The UK said there were no "permanent residents" in Chagos, only "contract laborers." Since 1971, only Diego Garcia is inhabited by military and civilian staff. The Chagossians have been working to return to their homes, saying their forced removal was illegal.
Mauritius considers the waters around the Chagos Archipelago and Tromelin island as part of its own special economic zone.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice said that the United Kingdom should end its control of the Chagos Archipelago as soon as possible. They said that separating Chagos from Mauritius in 1965 was not based on the true wishes of the people. The court added that the UK's continued control is wrong.
On May 22, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution. It stated that the Chagos Archipelago is a part of Mauritius. The resolution asked the UK to "withdraw its colonial administration" within six months. Many countries voted for this resolution. The Mauritian Prime Minister called the removal of the Chagossians a "crime against humanity".
In October 2024, the UK and Mauritian governments announced an agreement. The islands will be transferred to Mauritius. However, the military base on Diego Garcia will remain under UK control.
Environment and Climate
Mauritius has a tropical climate. This means it's warm and humid, especially from November to April. The cooler, drier season is from June to September. The temperature doesn't change much between seasons. The warmest months are January and February, and the coolest are July and August.
Rainfall varies across the island. More rain falls in the summer months. The central plateau is cooler and gets more rain than the coastal areas. Strong winds from the east keep that side of the island cooler and bring more rain. Sometimes, tropical cyclones hit the island between January and March. They bring heavy rain for about three days.
In July 2020, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared an environmental emergency. This was after the MV Wakashio oil spill. France sent help, and Greenpeace warned that the oil spill threatened many species.
Amazing Biodiversity
Mauritius is home to some of the world's rarest plants and animals. However, human settlement and the introduction of new species have put its native plants and animals at risk. Because of its volcanic past, age, and isolation, Mauritius has many unique species. Before the Portuguese arrived in 1507, there were no land mammals on the island. This allowed many flightless birds and large reptiles to evolve.
When humans arrived, they brought new species. This led to the fast destruction of habitats and the loss of many native plants and animals. The extinction of the flightless dodo bird, which was unique to Mauritius, is a sad example of how humans can cause species to disappear. The dodo is now a symbol of Mauritius and is on its coat of arms.
Less than 2% of the original native forest remains. Most of it is in the Black River Gorges National Park. Over 100 species of plants and animals have become extinct, and many more are in danger. Efforts to protect them began in the 1980s. These efforts include breeding programs for endangered birds and plants. They also work to restore habitats in national parks.
The Mauritian flying fox is the only mammal native to the island that is still alive. Its population has been threatened in recent years. This is because the government allowed some of them to be killed. They believed the bats were a threat to fruit farms.
People of Mauritius
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Largest cities or towns in Mauritius
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| Rank | Pop. | |
| 1 | Port Louis | 155,226 |
| 2 | Vacoas-Phoenix | 115,289 |
| 3 | Beau Bassin-Rose Hill | 111,355 |
| 4 | Curepipe | 78,618 |
| 5 | Quatre Bornes | 77,308 |
| 6 | Triolet | 23,269 |
| 7 | Goodlands | 20,910 |
| 8 | Centre de Flacq | 17,710 |
| 9 | Bel Air Rivière Sèche | 17,671 |
| 10 | Mahébourg | 17,042 |
In 2022, Mauritius had a population of 1,235,260 people. Most of them live on the main island of Mauritius. About 43,650 people live on Rodrigues island. Mauritius has one of the highest population densities in Africa. The average age of the population in 2022 was 38 years. The number of children under 15 has decreased, while the number of people aged 60 and over has increased.
Mauritius is a multiethnic society. Its people come from Indian, African, Chinese, and European (mostly French) backgrounds. The constitution recognizes four main communities: Hindus, Muslims, Sino-Mauritians, and the General Population (which includes Creoles and French).
Religions in Mauritius
Religion in Mauritius (2022) Hinduism (47.87%) Christianity (32.29%) Islam (18.24%) No Religion (0.63%) Other/Not stated (0.97%)
According to the 2022 census, almost half of the people in Mauritius follow Hinduism (47.87%). The next largest group is Christians (32.29%), mostly Catholics. About 18.24% of the population follows Islam. A small number of people follow other religions or no religion.
The constitution protects religious freedom. It allows people to practice, change, or not have any religion. Major religious groups receive some government support and tax benefits. Public holidays celebrate different religions, including Hindu, Christian, and Muslim festivals.
Languages Spoken
| Home languages in Mauritius as of 2022 Census | ||||
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| Languages | percent | |||
| Creole | 90.0% | |||
| Bhojpuri | 5.1% | |||
| French | 4.4% | |||
| English | 0.6% | |||
The people of Mauritius speak many languages. Mauritian Creole is the native language for most people. However, most Mauritians also speak English and French fluently. They often switch between languages depending on the situation. English and French are used in schools and workplaces. Asian languages are mainly used in music, religion, and cultural events.
Mauritian Creole is based on French with other influences. Different Creole languages are spoken on the various islands, but they are similar. These include Mauritian Creole, Rodriguan creole, Agalega creole, and Chagossian creole. Other languages like Bhojpuri, Chinese, Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu are also recognized.
In school, students must learn English and French. They can also choose to learn an Asian language or Mauritian Creole. Most public schools teach in English, while private schools often use French.
Education System
Mauritius has a strong education system. It includes pre-primary, primary, secondary, and university levels. Children attend two to three years of pre-primary school. Then, they have six years of primary school. After that, there are five years of secondary education, followed by two years of higher secondary school.
The government of Mauritius provides free education to its citizens. This includes all levels, from pre-primary to university. In 2017, the government changed the education system. They introduced the Nine-Year Continuous Basic Education program.
The main public universities are the University of Mauritius and the University of Technology. There are also other technical schools and colleges. All these public institutions are tuition-free for students.
In 2022, about 91.9% of adults could read and write. Mauritius was ranked 57th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023. It was ranked 1st in Africa for innovation.
Economy of Mauritius
Mauritius is often called Africa's most developed country. Since gaining independence in 1968, Mauritius has grown a lot. It changed from a poor country based on farming to a high-income country. Its economy now relies on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. This growth is sometimes called "the Mauritian Miracle."
Recently, new important areas have grown. These include information and communication technology, seafood, hotels, property development, healthcare, and renewable energy. These areas attract a lot of investment.
Mauritius does not have its own fossil fuels. So, it depends on oil products for most of its energy. However, it also uses local and renewable energy sources. These include biomass, hydro, solar, and wind energy.
Mauritius has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world. In 2012, the government announced plans to develop its ocean economy.
Mauritius is known for its strong economy and good business environment. It has good governance and a free economy. In 2018, its economic output (GDP PPP) was estimated at $29.187 billion. Its GDP per person was over $22,909, which is the second highest in Africa.
The World Bank classified Mauritius as a high-income economy in 2019. The World Bank's 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index ranked Mauritius 13th worldwide. This means it's very easy to do business there.
Financial Services
Financial and insurance activities are a big part of Mauritius's economy. They made up 11.1% of the country's GDP in 2018. Mauritius is becoming a popular place for investing in Africa. This is because of its location between Asia and Africa. It also has good laws, is easy to do business in, and has skilled workers.
Mauritius has many international banks and financial companies. It offers services like private banking and investment banking. The country has worked hard to be transparent and fight financial crime.
Tourism in Mauritius
Mauritius is a very popular place for tourists. Tourism is one of the main parts of its economy. The island has a tropical climate with clear, warm seas and beautiful beaches. It also has unique plants and animals. The people are from many different cultures. In 2019, over 1.4 million tourists were expected to visit.
Mauritius has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape. The Black River Gorges National Park is also being considered for this honor.
Transportation
Since 2005, public buses and trains in Mauritius have been free for students, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. The Metro Express railway connects the main cities.
The harbor in Port Louis handles international trade. It also has a terminal for cruise ships. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the main international airport. It is the home base for the national airline, Air Mauritius. The Plaine Corail Airport on Rodrigues connects it to the main island.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is growing in Mauritius. It made up 5.7% of its GDP in 2016.
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) is located in Ebene. This organization helps manage the internet for Africa. Mauritius is also connected to the global internet through several underwater fiber optic cables.
Culture of Mauritius
Art and Architecture
Many talented artists come from Mauritius. Some famous painters include Henri Le Sidaner and Malcolm de Chazal. Gabrielle Wiehe is a well-known illustrator.
The "Post Office" stamps from Mauritius are very famous. They were the first stamps made outside Great Britain. They are considered some of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world.
The buildings in Mauritius show its history as a trade hub. Styles from Dutch, French, and British settlers mixed with influences from India and East Africa. This created a unique type of architecture. Sadly, many historic buildings have been destroyed over the years. This is due to new developments and rising land values.
Literature
Mauritius is known in literature for the novel Paul et Virginie. This is a classic French love story by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. The dodo bird from Mauritius is also famous from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Many important writers are from Mauritius. These include J. M. G. Le Clézio, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2008. Other writers include Ananda Devi, Nathacha Appanah, and Shenaz Patel. Some writers, like Dev Virahsawmy, write mostly in Mauritian Creole.
Music
The main types of music in Mauritius are Sega and Seggae. Sega is a traditional dance music. Seggae is a mix of Sega and reggae. Other popular music includes Bhojpuri folk songs and Bollywood movie music. Classical music, both Western and Indian, is also enjoyed.
Delicious Cuisine
Mauritian cuisine is a mix of Indian, Creole, French, and Chinese foods. Many dishes are unique to the island. Spices are very important in Mauritian cooking. A popular cold drink is alouda, made with milk, basil seeds, and jelly. You can also find French pastries and bread. Popular street foods include dholl puri (a type of flatbread wrap), rice-based biryani, and gâteau piment (chili cakes).
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Fish fritters
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Chop suey shrimp
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Fish curry
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Holidays and Festivals
Mauritius celebrates many public holidays and festivals. These show the mix of cultures on the island. There are Hindu festivals, Christian festivals, Chinese festivals, and Muslim festivals. Mauritius has 14 public holidays each year. New Year is celebrated for two days if it falls on a weekend. Other festivals like Holi and Diwali also add to the cultural life of Mauritius.
| Public holidays in Mauritius in 2023 | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Sunday 1 January – Monday 2 January |
| Chinese Spring Festival | Sunday 22 January |
| Abolition of slavery | Wednesday 1 February |
| Thaipoosam Cavadee | Saturday 4 February |
| Maha Shivaratri | Saturday 18 February |
| Independence and Republic Day | Sunday 12 March |
| Ugadi | Wednesday 22 March |
| Eid al-Fitr (Depending on the visibility of the moon) | Saturday 22 April |
| Labour Day | Monday 1 May |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Wednesday 20 September |
| All Saints Day | Wednesday 1 November |
| Arrival of the Indentured Labourers | Thursday 2 November |
| Diwali | Sunday 12 November |
| Christmas Day | Monday 25 December |
Sports and Recreation
The most popular sport in Mauritius is football. The national team is called The Dodos or Club M. Other popular sports include cycling, table tennis, horse racing, badminton, volleyball, basketball, and boxing. Water sports like swimming, sailing, and scuba diving are also enjoyed.
Kim le Court is a very successful professional cyclist. She has won many races and is the 2024 national road race champion.
Horseracing has been popular since 1812. The Champ de Mars Racecourse is a famous place for races. Mauritius has hosted the Indian Ocean Island Games several times. In 2008, boxer Bruno Julie won Mauritius's first Olympic medal, a bronze.
In golf, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is part of the European Tour.
Images for kids
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Pedro Mascarenhas, a Portuguese leader, gave his name to the Mascarene Islands.
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This drawing from 1601 shows Dutch activities on Mauritius and the first picture of a dodo bird.
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The Battle of Grand Port was fought between French and British ships in August 1810.
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British forces taking over the Isle of France on December 2, 1810.
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First workers from India arriving in Mauritius in 1834.
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Champ de Mars Racecourse, Port Louis, in 1880.
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Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary) to Mauritius, 1901.
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Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was the first Prime Minister of Mauritius.
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Elizabeth II was Queen of Mauritius from 1968 to 1992.
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People protested the government's response to the MV Wakashio oil spill in 2020.
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A wide view of Mauritius Island.
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Aerial view of Tromelin Island.
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Map of the Chagos Archipelago.
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The military base of Camp Justice on Diego Garcia.
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Black River Gorges National Park.
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Mauritius was the only home of the extinct dodo bird.
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The colorful Mauritius ornate day gecko.
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Population pyramid of Mauritius in 2020.
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Map showing where different religions are practiced in Mauritius (2011).
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Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a financial hub.
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A beautiful tropical beach in Trou-aux-Biches.
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A modern train at Rose Hill Central Station.
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Historical Mauritius: A scene from the 1930s.
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Chinatown in the 1860s.
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The Maiden Cup horse race in 2006.
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See also
In Spanish: Mauricio para niños
