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Mauritius is situated in the Indian
Ocean, approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East
Coast of Africa. The island, which is of volcanic origin,
covers an area of 1,865 square kilometres or 720 square
miles. Coral reefs surround most of the coast except
the south. The island is surrounded by blue lagoon.
The
Island has a population of around 1.2 million with over
half the population being of Indian origin, while the
remaining population is composed mainly of Créoles,
descendants of Africa, Sino-Mauritians and Franco-Mauritians,
the original settlers of the island. The island has
been a colony of the French and British for over two
centuries. It became independent in 1968 and a Republic
in 1992. Since its independence, Mauritius has always
had a democratically elected government.
Mauritius
is divided into nine districts: Black River, Flacq,
Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port
Louis, Rivière du Rempart and Savanne.
Mauritius
has a tropical climate with two seasons, that is summer
and winter. Summer from November to April and Winter
from May to October.
The
capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.
The
Government of Mauritius website can be accessed at http://www.gov.mu. |