Mauritius

East Africa

Mauritius is a country in East Africa, home to 1.3 million people, with an area of 2,040 km². Its capital is Port Louis.

Capital: Port Louis
Population: 1.3 million
Area: 2,040 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 623 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Mauritius · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Mauritius is known for

Mauritius is best known for Black River Gorges National Park, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and Chamarel Colored Earth.

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests. The country is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Mauritius at a glance

Language: English and French are the official languages, with Mauritian Creole and other languages also spoken
Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR)
Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam are the most widely practiced religions in Mauritius
National dish: Dholl puri (a type of flatbread) served with curry and other accompaniments
Climate: Mauritius has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons
Main industries: Tourism, including ecotourism; textile and clothing manufacturing; and food processing, including sugar and tea production
GDP: $14.4 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Mauritius is considered a middle-income developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 104 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Mauritius

Some of the main tourist attractions in Mauritius include:

Black River Gorges National Park a nature reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden a historic garden with a wide variety of tropical plants and trees.
Chamarel Colored Earth a geological formation featuring sand dunes of seven different colors.
Trou aux Cerfs a dormant volcano with a scenic crater lake.
Île aux Cerfs a small island with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, popular for water sports and snorkeling.
Le Morne Brabant a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cultural significance and scenic hiking trails.
Port Louis Market a bustling market with local produce, handicrafts, and street food.
La Vanille Nature Park a nature reserve with crocodiles, giant tortoises, and other exotic animals.
Grand Bassin a sacred lake and pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Flic en Flac Beach a popular beach destination with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Mauritius has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine influenced by its diverse population.