Mauritius

Mauritius

Mauritius Republic is a small set of islands in the Indian Ocean located on the east of Madagaskar. Mauritius Republic consists of 4 islands, main island Mauritius, Agalega, Saint Brandon (Cargados Carajos Shoals) and Rodrigues. Main Island Mauritius has 9 districts; Black River, Flacq, Grand Port, Pamplemousses, Moka, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Savanne and Riviere du Rempart.

The main island, Mauritius, is a tropical island situated approximately 1900 km. from Durban, 6100 km. from Perth and 4600 km. from Bombay (now called Mumbai). Being of volcanic origin, Mauritius is mostly surrounded by coral reefs and has a coastline of about 340 km. of white sand, (200 km. of coastline 140 km. of fringing reefs), 56 km. long and 40 km. at its widest, the island is surrounded by lagoons, extinct volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls on its central plateau.

In the past 30 years, Mauritius developed from a low profile economy based only on agriculture to a rather high income and diversified economy. Much of this economic success has been the result of the expansion in the luxury tourism sector. With a stable democracy having regular free elections and a positive human rights record, Mauritius has attracted high foreign investment and earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Mauritius economy is mostly dependent on the sugar, textiles, and tourism industries. In the last decade, as world sugar prices have declined and the production of textiles has become economically unfeasible, the tourist industry has gained enormous importance. Tourist policy of Mauritius encourages elite and specialist tourism because of the limited sources available for tourism and the need to maximize income while minimizing the environmental impact of this industry. Preferring luxurious tourism, the Mauritian government promotes boutique luxury hotels, 5 star beach resorts, golf courses, spas and beauty centers.

The island of Mauritius is formed around a central plateau, with its highest peak being in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire at 825 meters height. Around this beautiful plateau, the original crater can still be distinguished from several mountains. Mauritius’ capital and its largest city is Port Louis, located in the northwest. Other important cities are Rose-Hill and Beau-Bassin, Curepipe, Vacoas, Phoenix and Quatre Bornes.

Mauritius is very well known for its natural beauty. Famous author Mark Twain, noted in his personal travelogue, Following the Equator, "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius".