Mauritius

Mauritius An island country lying in the southern Indian Ocean, about 800 km (500 miles) to the east of Madagascar; it is also the name of the principal island (the others are Rodriguez and the Agalega Islands).

Physical

The main island, Mauritius itself, is volcanic in origin and nearly 2000 sq km (770 sq miles) in area, having steep hills and plains of lava, which have weathered into fertile soil. The slopes are forested, and the plains are green throughout the year with natural vegetation. Tropical cyclones frequently occur.

Economy

The main exports of Mauritius are textiles and sugar. Tourism is an important source of revenue. Tea, fruit, and vegetables are important agricultural crops. No significant quantities of minerals are found.

History

Visited by the Arabs in the 10th century and discovered by the Portuguese in 1511, the island was held by the Dutch (1598–1710), and the French (1710–1810). The British took it in 1810, and under their rule massive Indian immigration took place. Mauritius became an independent state within the COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS in 1968. Sugar has always been the principal crop, and the fall of world prices in the 1980s resulted in a vigorous programme of agricultural diversification. Politically it has maintained stability as a multicultural state, with the Mauritian Socialist Party, led by Sir Aneerood Jugnauth, in power from 1982. Following an election victory in 1991, the Party carried through a constitutional change, whereby Mauritius became a republic in 1992 but remained within the Commonwealth. Caseem Uteem was elected to the largely ceremonial role of President in 1992. General elections were held in 1995 following the collapse of the government and the opposition alliance, led by Navin Ramgoolam, was elected.

Capital:	Port Louis
Area:	2040 sq km (788 sq miles)
Population:	1,157,000 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 Mauritian rupee = 100 cents
Religions:	Hindu 52.5%; Roman Catholic 25.7%; Muslim 12.9%; Protestant 4.4%; Buddhist 0.4%
Ethnic Groups:	Creole 55.5%; Indian 39.6%; European 3.8%; Chinese 0.6%
Languages:	English (official); French creole; Bhojpuri; Hindi; other Indian languages
International Organizations:	UN; Non-Aligned Movement; Commonwealth; OAU; SADC