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Mauritius
Africa
An island nation in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is known for its beaches, multicultural society, and as one of Africa's most stable economies.
1,300,000
Population
2,040
Area (km²)
Port Louis
Capital
27
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
27 Events
August 01, 2025 - Ganesh Chaturthi is observed with colorful processions and temple rituals.
July 28, 2025 - A national workshop on forest financing advances sustainable resource management and capacity building.
June 29, 2025 - A 6-year-old is detained with ÂŁ1.6 million in drugs; separately, a UK group is caught smuggling 161 kg of cannabis.
June 21, 2025 - Former President Kailash Purryag dies at age 78.
May 22, 2025 - The Chagos Islands transfer is paused by a UK court granting interim relief to Chagossian plaintiffs challenging the deal.
April 09, 2025 - Former central bank governor and finance minister are arrested in an embezzlement scandal.
March 12, 2025 - National Day (Independence and Republic Day) is celebrated with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
February 26, 2025 - Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is temporarily closed as a precaution against an approaching cyclone.
February 16, 2025 - Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth is arrested on money laundering charges but released on bail.
January 21, 2025 - Mauritius Maritime Week is hosted, the largest maritime event in the Indian Ocean, focusing on shipping, ports, and logistics.
January 01, 2025 - New Year's Day holidays are observed, marking the start of the year with public celebrations.
December 15, 2024 - An arrest warrant is issued for former central bank governor Mario Nawfal over alleged embezzlement.
December 12, 2024 - The International Kreol Festival is held island-wide for the first time, celebrating Mauritian Creole culture with music, dance, and gastronomy.
December 06, 2024 - Dharam Gokhool is elected as the new president by the National Assembly.
November 12, 2024 - Navin Ramgoolam is sworn in as prime minister following the election upset.
November 10, 2024 - In the general election, the opposition Alliance du Changement coalition wins a landslide victory, securing 60 of 64 seats and ending the MSM's decade-long rule.
November 01, 2024 - The government imposes a social media blackout ahead of elections, citing national security; it is reversed on November 5 amid public outcry.
October 03, 2024 - The UK agrees to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius in exchange for a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for a US-UK military base, resolving a long-standing dispute.
July 26, 2024 - Mauritius competes at the Paris Summer Olympics, sending athletes in athletics, judo, swimming, and taekwondo, but securing no medals.
January 15, 2024 - Cyclone Belal strikes, causing severe flooding and disruptions, though no fatalities are reported.
December 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: Municipal elections are postponed for the third time to 2025, drawing criticism for delaying local democracy.
November 08, 2023 - Renowned playwright and poet Dev Virahsawmy dies at age 84, marking a significant loss to Mauritian literature and Kreol culture.
October 15, 2023 - The Supreme Court rules a colonial-era sodomy law unconstitutional for same-sex couples, advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
October 01, 2023 - Mauritius wins four leading destination awards at the World Travel Awards for the Indian Ocean region, boosting tourism promotion.
August 19, 2023 - Mauritius participates in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, sending athletes but winning no medals.
May 13, 2023 - Parliamentary elections occur in two rounds; the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) coalition secures a majority amid low opposition participation.
January 24, 2023 - Preparations begin for the 55th Independence Day celebrations, with the first major event held on January 24, featuring national festivities and cultural programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mauritius
100 Questions
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.
The capital is Port Louis.
Around 1.3 million people as of 2025 estimates.
English is official; French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken, along with Bhojpuri and Hindi.
Tropical, with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
The Mauritian rupee (MUR).
Four horizontal stripes: red, blue, yellow, and green.
Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Vacoas-Phoenix, Curepipe, and Quatre Bornes.
On March 12, 1968, from Britain.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.
Prithvirajsing Roopun (as of 2025).
Pravind Jugnauth (as of 2025).
A parliamentary republic.
Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian.
Hinduism (majority), followed by Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
Around $16 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $12,000.
Around 91%.
About 74 years.
Around 1.5 children per woman.
About 30%.
Textiles, sugar, seafood, and financial services.
Fuel, machinery, chemicals, and food.
Limited land resources, but rich in marine resources and fertile soil for sugarcane.
For its luxury resorts, beaches, lagoons, and multicultural society.
A financial hub, port city, and cultural center.
Cooler climate and the Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater.
A popular tourist beach resort.
The Seven Colored Earths and waterfalls.
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m).
Rice, seafood, curries, noodles, and dholl puri (flatbread).
A popular street food flatbread stuffed with split peas.
A Creole tomato-based sauce with meat or fish.
Rum, tea, Alouda (milk-based drink), and fresh juices.
Football, horse racing, athletics, and cricket.
The Club M.
Yes, but only once (1974).
Not yet.
Bruno Julie (boxer), Stéphane Buckland (sprinter).
Yes, winning its first medal in 2008 (boxing).
Sega, Bhojpuri songs, reggae, and Bollywood music.
Traditional dance music with African and Creole roots.
A fusion of sega and reggae.
Ravanne (drum), maravanne (rattle), and triangle.
Sarongs, sari, and western-style clothing.
Active in business, education, and politics, with growing equality.
Around 90%.
Around 92%.
Moderate, around 8%.
Around 10%, mainly sugarcane farming.
Sugarcane, tea, fruits, and vegetables.
Cattle, goats, and poultry.
Strong, with free universal healthcare services.
Diabetes, heart disease, and occasional dengue fever.
Low compared to other African countries.
Also relatively low.
“Motherland.”
“Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.”
The dodo (extinct, but national symbol).
The pink pigeon (endangered species).
The Trochetia boutoniana.
Fruit bats, pink pigeons, geckos, and rare reptiles.
Black River Gorges National Park and ĂŽle aux Aigrettes.
Rainforests, waterfalls, and rare bird species.
A small island reserve protecting rare plants and animals.
Around 95%.
Around $12,000 annually.
Low and declining.
Around 40%.
Mostly farmers and small-scale traders.
Coal, oil, hydro, and renewables.
Strong in solar, wind, and biomass.
Dependence on imports and vulnerability to global shocks.
Managing ethnic diversity and economic inequality.
It is a major economic driver, employing thousands.
Historically central, still important for exports.
Cultural ties and major trading partner.
Former colonial power, maintains political and cultural links.
Strong historical, cultural, and economic ties.
Growing trade and infrastructure investment.
Mauritius is an active member.
Supports sustainable development and conservation.
Moderate, around 6–8%.
High, as it is a small island.
Model ships, textiles, and wood carving.
They preserve and promote Creole culture.
A major Hindu festival celebrated with lights and sweets.
Celebrated by the Muslim community with feasts and prayers.
A public holiday celebrated with decorations and beach gatherings.
Celebrated on March 12 with parades and cultural events.
Very small, about 2%.
Around 12 years.
Very low, close to European levels.
Fighting non-communicable diseases like diabetes.
Keeping pace with technological needs.
Around 3 people per household.
Low and slowing.
Financial services, IT, and tourism.
Positive, with stability and strong service industries.
It is a model of stability, multiculturalism, and economic success in the Indian Ocean region.