1. Where is Mauritius?
Mauritius is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent, just off the east coast of Madagascar.
2. Here’s how to find it with a compass.
The co-ordinates for Mauritius are 20.2000° S, 57.5000°.
3. Many people live here.
In 2022 Mauritius was home to 1.263 million lucky people!
4. How big is Mauritius?
Mauritius has a total area of 787.65 square miles (2040 square kilometres).
5. The beaches go on for miles.
The Mauritian coastline is roughly 205 miles (330 kilometres) long and is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and gorgeous white beaches… paradise!
6. What is the capital of Mauritius?
Port Louis is the capital of this beautiful island which has an area of 18 miles square (46.7 kilometres) and a population of 148,147 (2017).
7. It was home to a famous, now extinct bird.
Mauritius was the exclusive home of the Dodo before it became extinct in the mid 1600’s! In fact, the Dodo was what inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland!
8. How long can you expect to live in Mauritius?
The life expectancy here is 73.68 years (2021).
9. Time to change up those pennies!
If you’d like to take some spending money with you to Mauritius, be sure to get it changed into Mauritian Rupees!
10. There’s very little wildlife.
Mauritius isn’t home to any wild animals and even the snakes aren’t poisonous, meaning you can trek across this beautiful island without fear!
11. The waters are safe.
Even the shoreline is protected from sharks and jellyfish thanks to the coral reef that surrounds the island, meaning you can paddle in peace!
12. What do people speak in Mauritius?
The official language of Mauritius is English, although people speak French as a means of general communication.
13. The island produces lots of different things.
Agriculturally, Mauritius produces sugarcane, rum, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, cattle and fish…
…They also process food here (mostly milling sugar) and create textiles, clothing, chemicals and metal products…
Their main exports include sugar, rum, clothing, textiles, cut flowers and molasses.
14. It’s absolutely packed!
Mauritius is the most densely populated and richest nation in Africa.
15. Keep an eye on your hands!
Apparently, if you wish to give someone a gift here, it is polite to do so with your right hand only… you have been warned!
16. Want to get in touch?
Want to call your friends or family in Mauritius? You’ll need to use the international dialing code +230.
FAQs about Mauritius
Is Mauritius safe to visit?
On the whole, Mauritius is considered pretty safe to visit - the crime rates are normally low.
Why is Mauritius such a rich nation?
Mauritius has built up an impressive amount of wealth thanks to the fact it’s a huge tourist zone - and it has a growing financial services industry.
What food is Mauritius famous for?
Mauritius is famous for a variety of dishes, however, you’ll most likely enjoy their cari, or curry, as well as dhal flatbreads, and chili fritters!
Do you know any fun facts about Mauritius? Share them in the comments below!
