Mauritius

Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in 1505; it was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 1,250,882 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Mauritian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Mauritian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Creole, English, French, Marathi

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Mauritius

Country Name (short form): Mauritius

Country Name (local long form): Republic of Mauritius

Country Name (local short form): Mauritius

Name of Capital: Port Louis

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Mauritius: Reunion Island

Land Area: 2030 sq km

Water Area: 10 sq km

Comparative Area: almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 177 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

International Phone Code: 230

Currency Code: Mauritian rupee (MUR)

Internet Country Code: .mu

US Embassy Location: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

US Embassy Mailing Address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2450