Mauritius - My Island !!!
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History:
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), the French (1715-1810), and
was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On March 12,
1968 Mauritius acceded to independence. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12
March 1992.
Geographic
Location:
Mauritius Island is situated at approximately 2, 000 km to the south-east
of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20.17 degrees South, 57.33 degrees
East, in the Indian Ocean. The land has an area of1,
865 square km with 330 km of coastline. Inland
features include a vast central plateau, subtropical forests, rivers, streams
& waterfalls. Bordering this tableland are several montain ranges consisting
of diverse shaped masses of basalt testifying to the volcanic origins of the
island. The highest peak is
Piton de la Riviere Noire (828 m).
Climate:
In the central part of the island, 600 m above sea level, the average maximum
daytime temperature varies from
20 degrees C in August to about 26 degrees C in February. Along coastal areas,
the temperatures are generally 3 to 5 degrees higher. The western & northern
regions are warmer & relatively drier than the east & the south. Green
vegetation covers much of the coutnry throughout the year.
Population:
At different stages during the course of the history of Mauritius, people
from diverse origins - Indian (Hindus & Muslims), African, European &
Chinese - have settled on the island bringing in their culture, language,
values & traditions. The country is a recognised cultural melting pot.
The population is estimated to around 1.2 million.
Natural Hazards: Cyclones from November to April.
Languages: English (Official), French, Creole (National), & since we have a very diverse population from different continents, each religious community has their own language, e.g Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, and something very local 'Bhojpuri' - a mixture of hindi and Creole, which is spoken mostly among the hindu community on the island.
Administrative
Divisions:
9 districts - Grand Port, Moka, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Black River,
Flacq, Pamplemousses, Savanne, Riviere du Rempart
3 dependencies - Agalega Islands, Rodrigues Island, Cargados Carajos Shoals
(St. Brandon)
Legal System:
Based on French Civil Law system with elements of English Common Law in certain
areas
Currency:
Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) Rs. 1 = 100 cents
Code:
MUR
Last update:24th October 2005 ...........................Copyright ©2005:M.G ..............................Design by:Meela Gunnoo