Mauritius, known officially as the Republic of Mauritius, is a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline.

Mauritius has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories, being a sugar and clothing exporter and a center for up market tourism.

People

Mauritius has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population. Mauritius is known as a plural society where all the ethnic groups present: Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans live in peace and where all the ancestral cultures have been preserved. These features make the island a unique place in the world, and the Mauritians known for their tolerance and kindness towards all people.

Language

Most Mauritians are bilingual being equally fluent in French and English. English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Oriental languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic.

Shopping

Shopping hours in the main cities ranges from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centers offer a wide choice of products.

Capital

Port Louis

Currency

Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Population

1.265 million (2017) World Bank