The island country of Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The volcanic main island of Mauritius is ringed by coral reefs; there are some 20 smaller islands. The islands were ruled in turn by the Dutch, French, and British, whose legacy includes a parliamentary form of government. Independence came in 1968. Diversifying sugarcane farming with manufacturing and tourism strengthens the nation, a blend of Africans, Indians, Europeans, and Chinese.
Fast Facts
- Population:
- 1,243,000
- Capital:
- Port Louis; 143,000
- Area:
- 2,040 square kilometers (788 square miles)
- Language:
- English, French, Creole, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri
- Religion:
- Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Protestant
- Currency:
- Mauritian Rupee
- Life Expectancy:
- 72
- GDP per Capita:
- U.S. $10,100
- Literacy Percent:
- 86
ECONOMY
- Industry: Food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing, chemicals, metal products
- Agriculture: Sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas; cattle; fish
- Exports: Clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses
Source: The National Geographic
RELATED STORIES
CIA- The World Factbook
