Location Mauritius independent island republic in the

Location • Mauritius, independent island republic in the western Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Mauritius is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

• The country includes the island of Mauritius, with an area of 1, 865 sq km (720 sq mi); the island of Rodrigues (109 sq km/42 sq mi) to the east; the Agalega islands to the north; and the St Brandon Group (also known as the Cargados Carajos Shoals) to the north-east, which have a combined area of 71 sq km (27 sq mi). The country has a total area of 2, 045 sq km (790 sq mi). The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis

• Mauritius was probably visited by the Arabs before the 10 th century, the Malays in the 1400 s, and the Portuguese in the early 1500 s. It was occupied in 1598 by the Dutch, who named it for Maurice of Nassau, then stadtholder of The Netherlands. The Dutch left in 1710, and in 1715 the French took possession, renaming it Île de France. It was captured by the British in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars and was formally ceded to Britain in 1814. allowed to import indentured laborers from India, and since 1861 the population has been mainly Indian. History

The customs, laws, and language remained French, but the name Mauritius was reinstated. Slavery was abolished in 1835, and the slaves were replaced by Indian labourers. Mauritius prospered in the 1850 s, but competition from beet sugar caused a decline. The malaria epidemic of 1866– 68 drove shipping away from Port Louis, which further declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During World War I, when sugar prices rose, the economy prospered, but the depression of the 1930 s changed the situation drastically, culminating in labour unrest in 1937. World War II did not improve the economic situation, and after 1945 economic reforms were introduced. Political and administrative reforms were also initiated, which led to the 1968 independence of Mauritius within the Commonwealth of Nations. Mauritius was granted independence on March 12, 1968.

Culture Interest in arts and letters and the sciences is promoted by voluntary associations. The island has produced talented poets and novelists. Representational and abstract painting flourishes. The national cultural institutions are the Mauritius Institute and the Mauritius Archives. The theatre is popular, and performances of comparatively high quality are given by local amateur groups. There are both public and institutional libraries.

• The population of Mauritius (2001 estimate) is 1, 189, 825. The overall population density of 583 persons per sq km (1, 511 per sq mi) is one of the highest in the world for countries. Port Louis, the capital and largest city, has a population (1998 estimate) of 147, 131. More than two-thirds of the people are Indian immigrants and their descendants.

• Official Name- Mauritius Capital City -Port Louis Languages- English (official), French, Hindi, others Official Currency -Mauritian Rupee Religions- Hindu, Christian, Muslim, others Population- 1, 183, 000 Land Area -1, 860 sq km (718 sq miles)

• The North • Grand-Baie Very important seaside place and main marina of the island. One of the starting points for big game fishing. Coin de Mire island, Cap Malheureux. The well known Botanical garden of Pamplemousses,

• famous for its giant water lilies and the numerous variety of trees and plants. Created by Pierre Poivre in 1767 on the ancient domaine of Mahé de Labourdonnais, the castle of Mon Plaisir dating from 1735 Port Louis, famous for its market. During the visit, see also theatre, the mosque, the government hotel the Caudan Waterfront and the Champ de Mars race track (Mauritians are quite addicted to horse racing). The domaine Les Pailles. 10 minutes from Port Louis. Strolling on mountains or by 4 x 4. Visit of the sugar mill, the alcohol still and the spice garden. Ride on calash or small train

The north of the island is best known for its white sandy beaches and calm lagoons. As such it has the biggest number of beach resorts and is the most developed part of the Mauritian coastline. Grand bay is the centre of life in the north. It has everything of a modern beach resort with its shops, galleries, shopping centres, hotels and bungalows along its emerald green waters bay. Grand Bay is also one of the centres of nightlife in Mauritius with a number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A little to the north of Grand Bay is Péreybère, a small resort with one of the best bathing place of the island. It is one of the most appreciated (popular) resorts and has a big number of bungalows and some small hotels and restaurants. There also most basic amenities like banks, shops and supermarkets. Further north you have Cap Malheureux. It was there that the English landed in 1810 to conquer the island. It is a calm small fishermen village with a small beach and some very beautiful views of the northern islets as backdrop to a very charming little chapel.

• The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, found in the village of Pamplemousses, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. It was under French intendant Pierre Poivre that the garden really started off as the botanical garden famous over the world for its variety of rare tropical plants. He wanted to grow spice on the island imported a variety of plants for experiment. There is a large variety of exotic plants with the most famous being the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies. There is also the Talipot tree which flowers after fifty to sixty years and strangely dies just after. After walking through the alleys bordered by palm trees you will discover a beautiful example of colonial architecture with the Château Mon Plaisir. It was built by Mahé de Laboudonnais as the official Governor residence during the French period.

• ). La Nicolière is another interesting place to visit in the north. It is a lake found on higher grounds from the north vast planes. It has some forests and also offers some very beautiful views of the northern region with its mosaic of sugarcane fields. Not far from there you have the region of Congomah, which has some beautiful views of the Moka range of mountain towards Port Louis. The northern part of the island has many islets. Two of them, Gabriel and Flat Island offer virgin white beaches encircled with crystal clear blue waters. You can cruise to these Islets on one of the various sailboats in what can be a memorable moment of your holidays. cap malheureux

trou axes biches sunset bain boeuf coin de mire pointe aux piments

grand gaude north coast round island view from congomah

• The East L'Île aux Cerfs (in front of Touessrok hotel). Access by regular shuttle. , Ideal for lunch (restaurants). • east sight places lle aux fouquets lle aux cerfs

mauritian skiff East view mahebourg museum

Monument mahebourg

alexendra fall Centre places seven colored earth chamarel water fall black river gorges

west sight places sunset view flic en flac west coast case noyale beach

Festivals These festivals are of religious origins but some of the religious festivals have become national ones. Mauritians are very religious people and the festivals are very often celebrated with much fervour and devotion. T This festival also called 'the great night of Shiva' is celebrated by a pilgrimage to "Grand Bassin", a natural lake on the central plateau. Generally held in February, the pilgrims dressed in white proceed to Grand Bassin carrying bamboo contraption on their shoulders as a sign of sacrifice.

This religious festival is celebrated mostly by Indians of Tamil origin and is quite a sight. The participants after a period of fasting, have their cheeks, tongues and chests pierced with needles before going to the temple with their offerings on their back. . Divali is celebrated by all Indo-Mauritians and also by people of other communities. Originally an Indian festival celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the devil as depicted in the epic poem, Ramayana. Many Mauritians who decorate their homes with small oil lamps or electric bulbs have adopted this festival also known as the festival of light. An Indian festival, where the celebrants splash each other with colours, sing and dance around happily.

The Chinese New Year's Day or the Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Sino-Mauritian community. This festival is preceded by a thorough cleaning of the home and is characterised by the traditional sharing of wax cakes amongst relatives and friends. On that day firecrackers are lit to chase evil spirits. Special celebrations are held on that day in Port Louis in China town with Chinese Dragons and lion dances. EID-UL-FTR Festival celebarated at the end of the holy month fasting, ramadam. CRISTIAN FESTIVAL Mauritius has a big Christian community, mostly of Catholic faith. As such, most Christian celebration like Easter and Christmas are celebrated here with some of the same tradition as in Europe.