Mauritius, Island nation in Indian Ocean, East Africa
The volcanic island spans 2040 square kilometers with coral reefs, white sand beaches, lagoons, mountains, and sugar cane fields across its territory.
The Portuguese discovered the island in 1505, followed by Dutch settlement in 1638, French colonial rule in 1715, and British control from 1810 until independence in 1968.
The population combines Indian, African, European, and Chinese influences, creating a society where Hindu temples stand next to Catholic churches and Muslim mosques.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport connects the island to major cities, with direct flights from Europe, Asia, and Africa throughout the year.
The extinct dodo bird, which lived exclusively on this island until 1662, remains the national symbol and appears on the country's coat of arms.
Inception: March 12, 1968
Capital city: Port Louis
Website: http://www.govmu.org/
Part of: East Africa
Shares border with: France, Seychelles, Maldives
Address: Mauritius
Website: http://govmu.org
GPS coordinates: -20.27595,57.57036
Latest update: November 14, 2025 16:35
Mauritius presents natural sites away from tourist centers. The island shows its geological diversity through beaches, waterfalls and hiking paths. Cultural sites like UNESCO World Heritage Apravasi Ghat and Chateau de Labourdonnais document history. Black River Gorges National Park houses rare animal and plant species. La Cuvette and Pointe d'Esny beaches allow swimming in clear water. The Valley of Ferney protects local wildlife.
Le Morne Brabant
32.7 km
Seven Coloured Earths
27.5 km
Black River Gorges National Park
22.4 km
Aapravasi Ghat
14.8 km
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
18.7 km
Trou aux Cerfs
7.7 km
La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park
22.1 km
Central Market
14.7 km
Pieter Both
9.5 km
Black River Peak
22.5 km
Mangal Mahadev
17.6 km
Le Pouce
9.7 km
Chamarel Falls
26.8 km
Jummah Mosque
14.6 km
Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa
27.3 km
La Vanille Nature Park
25 km
Blue Penny Museum
14.9 km
Bank of Mauritius Tower
14.5 km
Maheswarnath Mandir
26.1 km
Blue Bay Public Beach
24 km
Curepipe Botanic Gardens
7.6 km
State House
10.2 km
Rhumerie de Chamarel
24.8 km
Trou Aux Cerfs Volcano Park
7.8 km
Vallée de Ferney
17.2 km
Mont Choisy Public Beach
29.2 km
Stade Anjalay
22.2 km
Pereybere Public Beach
31.5 kmReviews
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