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Introduction A sparkling pearl in a blue oyster might give some idea of the exquisite beauty of Mauritius.

It is one of those rare creations of nature that epitomizes perfection, beauty and splendor to the last degree. Nature has generously bestowed Mauritius with her most precious of the gifts. It is no

wonder then that people who visit this country once are enraptured by its magic and charm for rest of their lives.

Geography Mauritius is an African nation that consists of a group of islands situated in the Indian Ocean. Situated between 1950' and 2032' of south latitude and 5718' and 5746' of east longitude, the country is about 900 km east of Madagascar and 4000 km south west of India. Mauritius is a part of Mascarene Islands and also includes islands of St. Brandon, Rodriguez and Agleam Islands. The islands are of the volcanic origin and are believed to have been formed some 8 million years ago. Mauritius extends 61 Km north south and 47 km east west with a total area of 2040 sq. km. The country has exclusive white beaches and surrounding coral reefs that gives it exceptional beauty from natural point of view.

Political

The official name of Mauritius is Republic of Mauritius. Its capital is Port Louis. There are 9 districts in Mauritius 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Black River Flacq Grand Port Moka Pamplemousses Plaines Wilhems Port Louis Rivire du Rempart Savanne

Along with these following are the dependencies of Republic of Mauritius 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Rodrigues Agalega Cargados Carajos Shoals also known as the Saint Brandon islands Chagos Archipelago Tromelin Island

Mauritius has parliamentary democracy and the government is elected for a period of 5 years. Prime minister and his council of ministers head the government. The titular head of government is the President. People and Culture There are descendants of many nations that make up the population of Mauritius. The country is a melting pot of traditions of Indians, British, French and African origin people.

Mauritius has a population of about 1.2 million people. It is a culturally very diverse society with different ethnic communities living together in harmony. Hindus form the bulk of the population with 52 % representation while Christians form 18 % of the population. A French derived Creole language is the lingua franca of the country. However almost all the languages of India are also widely spoken and understood in the country. Economy Mauritius is the second richest nation of African continent. It has a very mature economy with a purchasing power parity of $ 12,800. Earlier the country had an agricultural based economy.Mauritius has a consistent GDP growth rate of around 5

GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $14.9 billion; per capita $ $11,900 . Real growth rate: 5.6%. Inflation: 8.8%.

Unemployment: 8.8%. Arable land: 49%. Agriculture: sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish. Labor force: 552,700; construction and industry 30%, services 25%, agriculture and fishing 9%, trade, restaurants, hotels 22%transportation and communication 7%,

Mauritius: People and Culture The small island nation of Mauritius exhibits a world of ethnicity, culture, tradition and language which makes it culturally the richest island in Indian Ocean. This diversity is due to Mauritius' historical interaction with different countries that ruled over it in different periods. The country also owes this exotic diversity to large number of Indian laborers who were brought here under the British rule and which today make majority of Mauritius population. People People of different religions and ethnic background make up the population of Mauritius. Indo-Mauritian form 67 % of the population, Creoles 27 % and others rest. Majority of people (53 %) are Hindus, while Christians, Buddhists and Muslims comprise the rest of population. This miscellaneous background of Mauritius has evolved a tradition of harmony, friendliness and peaceful existence. Mauritians are among most friendly people of world, with deep respect for every culture and religion.

Culture Mauritius is remarkable for its religious and cultural tolerance. On the social and political levels, all religions are treated alike and government gives patronage to Temples, Church, Mosques and all the places of worship. This island nation is culturally beautifully colored and all have blended together to form the tradition of harmonious separatism. Different cultures are not secluded however. Indian festivals, like Dipawali, Dussehra, Holi, and Janmashtmi are big festive occasions. But Christmas and Id and many other festivals are also celebrated. Dance, Music and Art are integral to the Mauritian culture. Close ties with Africa has given Mauritian dance and music high rhythm, exuberance and revelry. The music is equally lively and paced. Sega is the most popula r dance and Bobre is the main form of music in Mauritius.

Mauritius: History Early History Although it is claimed that Mauritius was first discovered by Arabs around 980 AD and then again by Portuguese near 1500 AD, the real history of this exotic island nation starts with advent of Dutch near 1598 AD.The Dutch Admiral VanWarwyck named the island "Mauritius" in honor of the Prince Mauritius Van Nassau of Holland. The Dutch Period (1622-1710) The Dutch adventurers were making attempts to settle in the island from 1622. By 1638 they had set up their first permanent settlement in Mauritius. The Dutch planned to exploit the islands resources of fine ebony, cattle, and grow sugarcane and tobacco for trade.The Dutch did not succeed in their colonization attempts as flood, cyclones and flood and drought continued to plague them. Food shortage was one of the chief problems.

The French Period (1715-1810) France took the possession of abandoned islands of Mauritius and renamed them as Isle de France. Soon colonization started and by 1750 a strong colonial infrastructure was established. French Governor Bertrand Mah de Labourdonnais is credited with earlier development of Mauritius in a major sea port and trade center. He also encouraged agriculture to meet the food shortage and especially promoted the cultivation of sugarcane. Roads, barracks, hospitals, town centers and batteries were constructed along with a naval base port that made Mauritius an economic resource for French. During Napoleonic era Mauritius alias Isle de France became an important military base for French fleets. They used it frequently to disrupt British trade and military movements. British retaliated in 1810 with a strong force to capture the island from the French. After some initial skirmishes, the British forces outnumbered and outmaneuvered the French who capitulated in the December of 1810, paving the way of British era that ended with the final independence of the Mauritius

The British Period (1810-1968) The British were aware of Mauritius strategic position in trade route via Cape of Good Hope. As such they developed the island further. Rapid social and economical changes were brought about and sugarcane industry was encouraged. British restored the earlier name of Mauritius from Isles de France but they allowed the French customs and traditions to prevail. British rule abolished the slavery system and brought the concept of civil rights in Mauritius. These Indian laborers grew later to form the majority of Mauritius population today. British also established the earliest democratic prototype in a government council of elected representatives, formed in 1826. After the second world, the principle of universal suffrage was also introduced in Mauritius. Mauritius was declared an independent country under British Commonwealth of Nations in 1968. The Independent Era (1968-) At the time of its independence Mauritius was chiefly an agriculture based country with sugarcane being the mainstay of the economy. However since then the country has made rapid advancements in industrialization, infrastructure facilities, telecommunication and transport.

Weather & best time to visit Weather and Climate Mauritius has two kinds of climate. Below the 400-meter level on most of the windward (southeastern) side of the island and below 450 meters on the leeward side, a humid, subtropical climate prevails. Above these altitudes, the climate is more temperate, but there is no sharp break, and variations in exposure, altitude, and distance from the sea produce a wide range of patterns. Summers in Mauritius from the months of November to May are hot and dry. The climatic temperature at the coastal areas during the summer time lingers from 25C to 33C. High areas are generally less hotter than coastal areas as the temperature hovers in between 20C and 28C. The water temperature of the sea can often reach up 28C. Summers experience sunrise at 5:00 am and sunset at 7:00 pm. The warmest month of the year is February.

Winter arrives in the island on the month of May till October. The weather in Mauritius during the cold season in the coastal areas moves to 24C and higher plateau experience 19C. The temperature in the island all through the year remains tropical. In winters, the country enjoys sunrise at 6:00 am and sunset at 5:30 pm. The coolest month of the year is July.

Depending on the oceanic regime, the ambient climate did not have a drastic change with urbanization and the deforestation due to agriculture, but it should not be ignored that the water streaming has considerably been reduced and drank up by the superficial roots of trees and other vegetation of the undergrowth Best Time to Visit Apart from the busy Christmas to New Year period, Mauritius doesn't really have a high or low season. The depths of Mauritian 'winter' occur from July to September, when daytime temperatures drop from sticky to balmy. With less rain and humidity, this is one of the choicest times to visit. Weather-wise, the least agreeable period is from January to April, when the long days can prove too hot and humid for some and the threat of cyclones is in the air. Visitors should be prepared to spend several days cooped up indoors during extra-heavy rains. December through March is the best time for diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June through August is best for surfing; and October through April is excellent for big game fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore. Mauritius Tourist Attractions New Tourists in Mauritius ask past tourists and locals about some wonderful locations in Mauritius. Though they might tell them few names, actually it will be only matter of time before they realize fully that Mauritius is completely wonderful. You will be glad you have chosen this place, and you are not going to forget it so soon. The Grand Bay has a great history. Today it is not just a favorite tourist spot, many locals come here to enjoy the bay grandly. Apart from Grand Bay, there is Pereybere beach along the coastal road, which looks like a Hollywood scene. Then you have White beach sand along the northern coast, at Mont Choisy. The Ile Aux Cerfs is for those animal loving creatures, especially for those interested in the life of Deers. Trou deau Douce is fishermen village with resorts and houses all hidden in the green life.

Domaine Du Chasseur is another animal habitat, with more than 3000 acres of tropical forest. Varieties of monkeys, deers, birds have made this forest their homes, apart from the wild boars. So get your forest gear ready, when you are in South East Mauritius. Ile Aux Aigrettes welcomes you with the mystery of pink pigeons, and dont forget Mahebourg, when you are around South East.

Just when you thought you have had enough, dont forget the West which invites you with the legend of Tamarin Bay. Charamel and Casela bird park are also here in this region.

Mauritius Activities Mauritius with its wonderful climate promises unlimited entertainment. From water-sporting to mountaineering, and from beach volley ball to nightclubs, the small island offers everything the visitor can imagine. Whether you are floating in air or water, or just lazing around in the beaches or just about doing nothing, Mauritius is too good a place to make you bored. Actually Mauritius is such place, that you would actually get bored of too much of entertainment. Sea Shore Entertainment includes simple beach volley ball or foot ball games.. Just when you think youve had too much of sea weather, then hit the town to be invited in to restaurants, bars, cinemas and nightclubs. And if it is festival time, then you can attend

cultural shows as well. And then you have the See the dazzling views of this tropical Eden coming out of sea in one of three Air Mauritius Belle Rangers Helicopters that are available on reservation. Water and Land Sports: If any body has dreamed of water and land sports simultaneously, then Mauritius is one of the best places on the planet. From Golf to Lawn Tennis, from rock climbing to archery, you can have fun here at Mauritius. People here are generally fun loving, and do not mind a challenge or two coming from you. So from the classic golf to adventurous motor bikes you can be at home with the land sports at Mauritius.

President: Anerood Jugnauth (2003) Prime Minister: Navin Ramgoolam (2005) Capital: Port Louis Monetary unit: Mauritian rupee Agriculture: sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; Literacy rate: 86% Religions: Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 24%, other Christian 8%, Islam 17%

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