Mauritius geography, history and economy at a glance

Geography

The Republic of Mauritius is made up of the primary island of Mauritius, along with Rodrigues situated 560 km to the east, and the more distant islands of Agaléga and Saint-Brandon. Nestled in the Indian Ocean and positioned roughly 900 kilometres east of Madagascar, Mauritius belong to the Mascarene Islands along with Rodrigues and Reunion Island, and is part of the Southern African region. Mauritius is much more than its famous fine sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. With sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, its mountains, endemic forests, grassy plains akin to the landscapes found in the African savannahs and cliffs jutting out into the ocean, this island, 61 km long and 47 km wide, is sure to surprise you.

Climate

Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate all year round with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. Forget about summer, autumn, winter and spring in Mauritius. The rainy and cyclonic season runs from December to April, while the dry season lasts from May to November.

Population

Discovered by the Arabs in the 5th century and visited by the Portuguese in 1507, Mauritius was given its name by the Dutch in 1598. They established a colony on the island in 1638 to farm rice, maize and vegetables, and introduced deer, pigs and rabbits to supply ships on the East Indies Trade Route. In 1715, the French took over the island, renaming it "Isle de France". They developed a prosperous economy based on the cultivation of sugar cane, using slave labour. The British began to set their sights on the island and, following a series of attempts, successfully gained control in 1810. They maintained their rule until Mauritius gained its independence on March 12, 1968. With the end of slavery and a growing demand for plantation labour, the British colonists began recruiting the first wave of Indian indentured laborers in November 1834. Between the years 1930 and 1950, individuals from China found a new home in Mauritius.

Today, Mauritius stands as a democratic republic where individuals of Dutch, French, English, African, Indian, and Chinese lineage gracefully unite. They rally beneath a singular flag and embrace a common language, Creole, fostering unity and harmony.

Economy

Mauritius, with its strategic position as a gateway between African countries and Asia, combined with a sturdy macroeconomic and political climate and ease of doing business, makes a compelling case for foreign investment. This is further complemented by its population of 1,265,000 inhabitants. The World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report ranks Mauritius 1st in Africa and 13th in the world for ease and opportunity of doing business. Mauritius is considered to be one of the most developed economies in Africa. The nation has witnessed consistent economic expansion throughout the past few decades and has effectively diversified its economy across various sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services.

In the current times, Mauritian business leaders and foreign professionals are collaborating hand-in-hand to drive the region’s progress.