Mauritius Island

Mauritius is an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean, part of the Mascarene archipelago, covering roughly 2,040 square kilometres. The island is of volcanic origin and combines uplifted interior highlands with coastal plains, lagoons and fringing coral reefs.

Tourist highlights include sandy beaches, reef-protected lagoons on the north and west coasts, upland reserves and cultural sites influenced by African, Indian, European and Chinese heritages. Inland areas include protected parks with endemic plants and birds and scenic viewpoints on volcanic hills.

The island was colonised successively by the Dutch, French and British and became an independent republic in 1968. Today Port Louis serves as the political and commercial capital and the island’s transport hub.

Mauritius lies east of Madagascar and southwest of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, with the capital Port Louis on the island’s northwest coast.

• Size and terrain: Covers about 2,040 square kilometres and combines volcanic highlands with coastal lagoons and coral reef systems.
• Main gateway: Port Louis on the northwest coast is the island's main transport and commercial hub and the usual arrival point for international visitors.

What to See #

• Port Louis: Port Louis, the nation's capital and main port on the northwest coast, hosting government institutions, a harbor and the central market.
• Le Morne Brabant: Le Morne Brabant, a basaltic promontory on the southwestern peninsula that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance. Inscribed in 2008.
• Black River Gorges: Black River Gorges National Park, a protected area covering roughly 67 square kilometres of native forest, rivers and walking trails in the island's interior.