The Republic of Mauritius consists of several islands located 1,200 miles (2,000 km) off the southeast coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. These groups of islands are comprised of Mauritius, Rodrigues, the Outer Islands; Agalega, St Brandon, two disputed island territories and several smaller islands.

The republic country’s main island, Mauritius, is only 28 miles wide (45.06 km) and 40 miles (64.37 km) long. About 40% of the country’s national population live in the capital city of Port Louis which is also the largest city among the islands. This main island is mostly surrounded by corals with a volcanic origin.

Mauritius possesses a fast growing economy which focuses on tourism, financial services, offshore enterprises and information telecommunications. The country primarily conducts business activities with its African partners while providing its strategic location as an entry point to India and China. 

The country’s transformation since achieving independence has enabled it to evolve from a low-income, agriculturally based economy into a diversified upper middle income economic nation.

Tourism industry is the country’s main economic revenue with Mauritius being one of the world’s top luxury tourist destinations. The industry employs 10.9% of total employment in 2014 and contributes MUR44.6billion (11.3%) to the country’s GDP according to World Travel & Tourism Council 2015. This industry also provides the country with a significant source of foreign exchange revenue. 

Luxury tourism has also expanded the country’s economic development with various construction projects emphasising hospitality and environmental preservation. The country features exotic beaches, diving destinations and carefully preserved wildlife environment.

Mauritius has received its third World Leading Island Destination award and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Popular tourist destinations include the Mauritius Botanical Gardens, Black River Gorges National Park, Ill Aux Cerfs Island, Grand Bassin and Chamarel Park.

In 2016, Mauritius recorded 694,376 tourist arrivals from January to July with European tourists consisting the majority of visitors according to Statistics Mauritius under the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development. The country’s environment focused eco-tourism generated 10.9% for tourist arrivals in 2015 from the previous year.

The country’s islands were mostly uninhabited until it was first colonised by the Dutch Republic in 1638. Named after the Dutch Prince Maurice van Nassau, it was known as the “star and key” of the Indian Ocean due to its strategic location as a trade route.

Throughout its history, the Mauritius islands have been controlled by Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British before attaining independence in 12 March 1968.

The French and the British engaged in a long power struggle to control the islands for its important trade routes between Europe and the East. 

Due to its history, the country accepts both English and French as the official language and the language of government administration, courts and businesses. The constitution of Mauritius is written in English while some laws such the country’s civil code are written in French.

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