Mark Twain

The island is mainly surrounded by a coral reef, which protects the shores of the rough sea. On the southern coast there are some disruptions in the reef. Here the beaches are rougher and some are not suitable for swimming. Offshore of Mauritius there are some smaller, uninhabited islands, such as Coin de Mire, Ile d’Ambre and Ile aux Bénitiers.

In the centre of the island there is a wide plateau out of which jut mountain formations. One can find extinct volcanoes, craters and waterfalls. Three mountain ranges are the evidence of the volcanic origin of Mauritius. The highest mountain of the island is Piton de la Rivière Noire at 828m.

History of Mauritius

1000 BC: Historians assume that Mauritius was already discovered by the Phoenicians on their way around Africa.

10th century: The Arabian merchant Hassan Ibn Ali mentions Mauritius with the name “Diva Mashriq” in his writings.

1502: In a Portuguese nautic map Mauritius appears under the name “Dina Arobi”.

1598: The Dutch seize Mauritius and name the island after the prince Maurice van Nassau.

1638: A first permanent colony is founded by the Dutch on the eastern coast.

1710: The Dutch leave Mauritius and destroy all edifices. Pirates now use the island as their post on their raids in the Indian Ocean.

1715: The French occupy Mauritius and rename it “Ile de France”. Slaves were introduced from Africa and sugar plantations were done.

1735: The French governor Mahé de Labourdonnais establishes the foundation for the development of the island. He ensures the provision of food and water, and builds streets, bridges and hospitals. Mauritius becomes more attractive for colonialists and salesmen.

1796: There are riots against the central government in Paris, as slavery shall be abolished on the island after the French Revolution. In 1803 the Code Napoléon is introduced on the island. Slavery though is still not abolished.

1806-1814: The British establish a bloc against Ile de France in their fight for the dominance over the French in the Indian Ocean. In 1810 the big naval battle at Vieux Grand Port takes place, which is won by the French. In 1814 the island is renamed Mauritius and given to British.

1832: Sugarcane is promoted as a monoculture on the island, as it is the only agricultural crop which can resist the numerous hurricanes.

1835: Abolition of slavery. As a substitute cheap workforce from southern India, the so-called coolies come to the island.

1847: One of the most expensive misprints of all times, the Post Office stamps are produced.

1901: Mauritius, where Indians now form the majority of the population, is visited by Mahatma Gandhi.

1958: The universal suffrage is introduced. The newly founded party Parti Travailliste demands the independence of Mauritius.

1968: On 12th March Mauritius becomes an independent state within the British Commonwealth. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan is elected as the country’s first Prime Minister.

1992: On 12th March Mauritius is proclaimed as a republic.

 

Economy of Mauritius

The most important economic sectors in Mauritius are textiles, sugar, tourism and financial services. The GDP is generated at 5% in agriculture, at 26% in industry and at 69% in the tertiary sector (business, finances, tourism).

Until the 70ies sugar was the main good for exportation in Mauritius. But as sugar prices on the world market continuously decrease and competition of other countries is hard, a further diversification was aspired. Textiles became the next important export good.

The tourism industry is continuously growing. In 2007 app. 907.000 tourists visited Mauritius. Most of them come from France, Great Britain, La Réunion and South Africa. The tourism industry aims at augmenting the number of tourist arrivals in Mauritius to 2 Million in 2015.

Information and communication technology is regarded as the industry of the future in Mauritius. The island is a well-known provider for outsourcing-services.

Offshore banking is also gaining importance in Mauritius.

Tax Incentives

• 15% corporate tax
• 15% personal tax
• 15% VAT
• No inheritance tax
• Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital
• No foreign exchange control
• Exporters enjoy duty-free privileges for their inputs and equipment

Mauritius has non-double taxation agreements with 33 countries including the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, China and France
For those who prefer to leave the paperwork to someone else, there are a number of companies who specialise in securing business permits and residency visas. GMG Trust Ltd is a well respected, Swiss-based asset management company with a large and burgeoning office in central Port Louis. They will not only advise you on the quickest and most tax-efficient route to establish your company, but also point you in the right direction when buying property.

Population of Mauritius

The 1.2 Million inhabitants of the island Mauritius look back on a past full of constant changes. The people are descendents of European colonists, African slaves, Pirates, Indian coolies and Chinese merchants. Today the island is a melting pot of all these cultures. A kaleidoscope of unforgettable impressions awaits the traveler: during his trip on the island he can eat at French, Indian, Chinese or Kreol restaurants, he sees women in saris and European dresses, he listens to music from Africa, India and Europe. Every ethnic group which lives in Mauritius has brought along its cultural heritage. This cultural manifoldness is what makes Mauritius such an extraordinary holiday destination! Some visitors leave the island with the impression of having made a small journey around the world.

The Mauritian population has its roots all around the world. People of Indian descent form the majority of the population (69%). Kreols, the descendants of the African slaves represent ca. 25% of the population, Christian Europeans ca. 3%. The religious beliefs of the population of Mauritius are as manifold as their ethnic background is: ca. 52% are Hindus, 30% Christians, 10% Muslims and 2% Buddhists.
But there is one thing that all these people have in common: they see themselves as Mauritians!

Language , Culture and tradition of Mauritius

The official language of Mauritius is English. Thus, as a tourist you can get along with it very well. Still, in Mauritian everyday life French and Kreol are predominant. Kreol originated from French and different African dialects. Today it is spoken by the whole population of Mauritius and unites all the different ethnical groups. In these ethnical groups some more languages, like Hindu, Arabic or Chinese are spoken. The Mauritian population is multilingual.

Climate of Mauritius

Mauritius offers perfect holiday weather throughout the year. The climate is subtropical. There is relatively little seasonal variation in temperature. The weather is generally pleasant and sunny.

Currency of Mauritius

The monetary unit of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (ISO-Code: MUR). 1 Rupee is divided into 100 cents.

Travellers are advised to change their money in Mauritius itself. On the airport you will find numerous exchange offices. Also in the resorts, you will find banks and exchange offices. Often the exchange offices offer a better rate than the banks.

The opening hours of the banks are:
Monday – Thursday: 9.15 am – 3.15 pm
Friday: 9.15 am – 3.30 pm
Saturday: 9.15 am – 11.15 am (only some banks)

It is possible to withdraw money at a cashpoint with your cash card. The Maestro sign should be on the card.The frequently used credit cards, such as Visa, American Express and Dinners are accepted in most of the international hotels, shops and restaurants.

Music

Nobody can elude from the sweeping rhythm of Mauritius’ national dance, the sega. Sega has its roots in Africa and came to Mauritius during the 18th century as the dance of the slaves. They came together after work to sing about love, sorrow and everything life had in store for them. Women dance the typical sega dance with circling hips and joyous turning. They are accompanied by musicians with the three typical sega instruments: ravane, maravane and triangle.
Due to the Indian population majority in Mauritius, Indian film music also plays a great role on the island. You will hear it in the supermarkets, on the radio or while driving in a taxi over the island.

North of the island

Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux is the northernmost point of the island from here you have a wonderful view on the island Coin de Mire offshore.

Triolet
On the end of Triolet, near Trou aux Biches, the biggest Hindu temple of Mauritius is to be found.

Pointe aux Piments
The only aquarium of Mauritius is located in Pointe aux Piments.

Grand Bay
Grand Bay is the tourist centre of Mauritius where numerous shops and all kind of entertainment are available.

Goodlands
The little town Goodlands is visited by tourists mainly due to its factory for ship models Historic Marine.

Poudre d’Or
In old documents and maps the small fishermen’s village Poudre d’Or appears regularly as a possible hiding place for pirates treasures.

Botanic Garden of Pamplemousses
The Botanic Garden of Pamplemousses is one of the main tourist attractions in Mauritius. The garden has its origin in the year 1736, when the French governor Mahé de Labourdonnais settled here.
The park measures 37 hectare and around 600 plant species from all over the world can be visited in it.

L’Aventure du Sucre in Beau Plan
In an old sugar refinery in Beau Plan, at about 300m from Pamplemousses, a museum has found its home which presents the Mauritian history and its relation to the history of sugar production.

La Nicolière
A giant water reservoir which offers wonderful panoramic views on the North of the island.

Events in Mauritius

Marlin World Cup, February – fishermen trawl the west coast in search of the ultimate catch.

National Day, March – a day to be proud of two events – when the island gained independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992.

The Duchess of York Cup, April – always a cause for much fun and merriment, as well as a bet or two, the Duchess of York Cup, literally kicks off the Mauritian horse racing season.

Indian Ocean Rowing Race, April to July – this biennial race attracts soloists, pairs and teams of four from around the world and involves a gruelling voyage of over 3,000 nautical miles. It begins in Geraldton

Mauritius Marathon, June – despite the tropical scenery and idyllic surroundings, this is still a race for the strong-at-heart.

Miss Mauritius National Pageant, August / September – the bold and the beautiful compete for this prestigious crown and the opportunity to represent their country at Miss World.

Kiteival, August – kite-lovers alert! There is no excuse not to participate in the numerous kite-surfing competitions which occur at different seaside venues around the island.

Pere Laval, or the Saint of Mauritius, spent his life fighting slavery, and to commemorate his life, devotees visit his shrine every September.

Mauritius Ball Room Dancing Spectacular, September – dancers in rainbow-hued sequins and silks will dazzle and amaze you with their side steps and cha-cha-chas.

Mauritius Ocean Classic, September – competitors race 28km from Souillac to Le Morne in their kayaks as part of the World Surf Ski Series.

Opera Mauritius, October – international stars join Mauritian singers to perform some of operas most loved productions.

Ferney Trail, October – a race with a difference. Only athletes who enjoy adventure need participate in either the 28km or 10km races.

Le Touessrok – Air Mauritius International Golf Trophy, dates vary – a must-see for golf aficionados.

Mauritius Golf Open, December – Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort plays host to this much watched challenge

Festival International Kreol, December – poetry readings, concerts and parties on the beach celebrate all things Kreol.