- Population:
- 1,271,000
- Religion:
- Hinduism
Mauritius was colonized by the Dutch, French, and British before gaining independence in 1968. It has since developed into one of Africa's most stable and prosperous nations, with a diversified economy based on tourism, finance, and agriculture.
Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa. It comprises the main island of Mauritius and several outlying islands, including Rodrigues, Agaléga, and St. Brandon. Covering a total land area of approximately 2,040 square kilometers, Mauritius has a population of about 1.3 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. The official language is English, with French and Mauritian Creole also widely spoken. Mauritius operates as a parliamentary republic. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. Mauritius is known for its multicultural society, tropical beaches, and as a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora and fauna. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.