Mauritius (officially the Republic of Mauritius), is an island country in the Mascarene archipelago of the Indian Ocean, located 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa. The constitution of Mauritius declares the country’s sovereignty over Mauritius Island, Rodrigues, Agaléga, St. Brandon and the disputed territories of Tromelin and the Chagos Archipelago. The country’s nearest neighbours include Reunion, a French overseas department, and Madagascar. Mauritius is the most densely populated country in Africa.
It is widely speculated that Mauritius was known to early Phoenecian and Arab traders.
After Vasco Da Gama opened a new European shipping route to Asia, Mauritius was included in Portuguese maps. The uninhabited island came under Dutch control in the 16th century and was named after Maurice, Prince of Orange. Mauritius was a French colony between 1715 and 1810, with the name Isle de France. Under the French, the European elite built a plantation economy with slaves imported from Africa. The British Empire took control of the colony in 1810. The abolition of slavery was implemented in 1835. The capital city of Port Louis developed as a busy port of call for ships traveling between Europe and Asia until the Suez Canal opened. British Mauritius was a crown colony which received migrants from the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. Seychelles was separated from Mauritius in 1903. Indentured servitude was ended in 1917.
In 1948, an elected Legislature was established. In 1959, the first election based on universal suffrage was held. Mauritius gained independence as a Commonwealth dominion in 1968, with Queen Elizabeth as its last monarch represented by a Governor General. The sovereign state became a republic in 1992.
Places to Visit
Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is a national park stretching on an area of 6,574 hectares in the hilly south-western part of Mauritius.
It was construction in Mauritius Black River Gorges Nature Reserveorder to save the natural vegetation of the island and make it one of the most important Mauritius sightseeing. One can walk along the greenery and reach the highest point of the island, which is the Black River Peak. Facilities for visitors include two information centres, picnic areas and 60 kilometers of trails. The Black River Gorges National park protects most of the island’s remaining rainforest, and is home to many species of wild animals and birds.
Île aux Cerfs Island
Île aux Cerfs Island, known in English as the deer island is an island near the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq district. Ile Aux Cerfs is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and big selection of activities and facilities. In Ile Aux Cerfs you are sure to have a day of relaxation and fun on one of the picture-postcard beaches, and to enjoy a swim and snorkeling in the lagoon.
This paradise island of Mauritius constitutes of around 100 hectares of land. Nowadays there are no more deers on the island, but you will find there some of the worlds beautiful beaches and as such it is one of the must place to visit and see in Mauritius.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital city and main port of Mauritius, Port Louis was constructed in the year 1735 by the noted French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais. Today Port Louis is the largest city in Mauritius. Port Louis is surrounded by a mountain range, called the Port Louis Moka Range which makes it worth watching.Mauritius Capital Port Louis Port Louis has conserved many historic and colonial buildings through the years. One of them is a fortification named Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle, built by the British in 1835.
Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin, known also as Ganga Talao is a lake situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 600 meters above sea level.
It is said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Ganges of India. The Hindus of Mauritius declared the Grand Bassin as a Holy lake. The Hindu community performs there a pilgrimage every year on the Maha Sivaratri/“Siva’s Great Night”, on this day they honor the Lord Siva. Beside the lake there a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods including Hanuman and Lakshmi. Also, overlooking the lake is the statue of Mangal Mahadev (Shiva statue) which is of 33 meters, making it the highest statue in Mauritius.
