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Mauritius History
Before the arrival of Arab sailors and later Portuguese explorers in 1507, Mauritius was relatively unknown. The Portuguese established the island as a base, but it was not until the Dutch arrived in 1598 that the island was named Mauritius. And by 1638, the Dutch had settled there. France took control of the island in 1715, after the Dutch abandoned it, renaming it Isle de France. The island remained under French control for the most part, until the British raided the island in 1810, calling it Mauritius once again.
Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom on March 12, 1968, and twenty-four years later, became a republic within the Commonwealth on March 12, 1992.
Economy of Mauritius
The economy of Mauritius is based heavily on tourism, as well as textiles, sugar, information technology, hospitality, and renewable energy. With its tropical weather and warm, clear waters, beautiful beaches, and distinctive culture, Mauritius is a luxury vacation destination. The island does not have natural resources to support its economy, but it does have sources of renewable energy, including hydro, solar, and wind power. Mauritius consistently ranks as one of the highest economies in Africa.
Mauritius uses the Mauritian rupee as its currency. The rupee was chosen for Mauritius after an influx of immigrants from India brought the Indian rupee to the island.
Last Updated Date: September 02, 2020
Mauritius Travel
ContinentAfrica
Lat Long20 17 S, 57 33 E
Area2,040 km2 (787 sq mi)
Population1,339,827 (July 2015 est.)
CapitalPort Louis
Largest CityPort Louis
Official LanguagesEnglish
Major ReligionHindu 48.5%, Roman Catholic 26.3%, Muslim 17.3%, other Christian 6.4%, other 0.6%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.)
National Day12 March (1968)
Form of GovernmentParliamentary republic
PresidentAmeenah Gurib-Fakim
Vice PresidentBarlen Vyapoory
Prime MinisterPravind Jugnauth (PM) Ivan Collendavelloo (Deputy Prime Minister)
CurrencyMauritian rupee (MUR)
GDP$23.322 billion ( 2015 estimate)
Calling Code230
Time ZoneMUT (UTC+4) Summer (DST) not observed (UTC)
Internet TLD.mu