Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length. Check out Map of Mauritius for a detailed view.
Government
Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.
History
Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons.Mauritius has long been a dream destination for many foreigners. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially ''discovered'' in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992. For a full account on Mauritian History, check out our Mauritius section.
Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual that us we are equally fluent in English
and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken. English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Oriental languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic.
Population
Mauritius is a densely populated island of around 1.2 million people. It is a plural society where all the ethnic groups present: Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans live in peace and where all the ancestral cultures have been preserved. These features make the island a unique place in the world.
Population literacy rate
82.9%
Visa & entry
requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.
For further information and application forms, please visit Mauritius Island.
The Sega Dance
The Sega is a dance which originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and the mainland of Africa, and it is the Musical Expression of the Mauritian Way of Life: Joy, Carefree and Lively. Originally sung by men and women who had been sold as slaves but whose souls had remained sensitive to music, the Sega is nowadays a folksong which has integrated itself within the framework of our folklore. It is a cry from the soul trying to transcend the miseries and heartaches of life, while at the same time expressing the universal human desire for joy and happiness. It tells the joys and sorrows of the peasants and the fishing folks. It is a nostalgic heritage of the villagers. Its beats, gripping in intensity, now provide entertainment to Mauritians of all walks of life in towns and villages. Today the Sega and its beat are a part of every Mauritian's life.
Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South. Check out live update on Mauritius Weather.
Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population
consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
Customs
* Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml.
* A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
* It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.
* All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.
* Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms
and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.
Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Flights to Mauritius
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major
cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris.
British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one. See the Mauritius Flights section for cheap deals to Mauritius Island.
Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.
Shopping
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.
Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.
Working Hours
Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday : 9 am - noon (Skeleton service).
Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm , Saturday
:9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only). Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). For the latest rate, use our online Money Exchange.
Security
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you :
* Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
* Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
* Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
* Do not leave anything inside your car.
* (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers.
* Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
* For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
* During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
* Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.
Public holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year. To participate in the Mauritian Cultural festivals see our Culture section.
Economy
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism,
Sugar and Services.
Electricity
240 volts.
Emergency
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu : 114
Newspapers
Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.
TV channels
Satellite TV and local tv & radio are available
in most of the hotels.
VAT
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory.
Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time. Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.
Conferences
Almost all of our large hotels are equipped and ready to cater for conferences. The number of people that can be accommodated varies from
30 to 500. The International Conference Centre in Grand Bay and the Freeport Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge can easily accommodate 600
and 1,000 people respectively.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Dressing Code
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
To find out more, visit Mauritius . |
