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.

National Anthem

Glory to thee Motherland, O Motherland of mine Sweet is thy beauty Sweet is thy Fragrance Around thee we gether As one people As one nation In peace, justice and liberty Beloved country may God bless thee For ever and ever

Sega Dance

This dance specific to Mauritius originated from the slaves brought from Africa. Dancing around the fire at the end of a hard day's work was obviously their way to temporarily put aside the painful moments of their miserable existence. Today, sega is the national dance, heard everywhere on beaches, in shops, in hotels and on each and every occasion for entertainment.