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Mauritius
General Information
Area: 2040 sq km (788 sq miles).
Population: 1,186,059 (official estimate 2000).
Population Density: 602.4 per sq km.
Capital: Port Louis. Population: 147,131 (1998).
GEOGRAPHY: Mauritius, a volcanic and mountainous island in the Indian Ocean, lies 2000km (1240 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa, due east of Madagascar. The island-state stands on what was once a land bridge between Asia and Africa called the Mascarene Archipelago. From the coast, the land rises to form a broad fertile plain on which sugar cane flourishes. Some 500km (310 miles) east is Rodrigues Island, while northeast are the Cargados Carajos Shoals and 900km (560 miles) to the north is Agalega.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1968. Head of State: President Angidi Chettiar since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Aneerood Jugnauth since 2000.
Language: English is the official language. The most widely spoken languages are French, Creole, Hindi and Bhojpuri. Urdu and Chinese are also among the languages spoken.
Religion: Fifty-one per cent Hindu, 31 per cent Christian, 17 per cent Muslim.
Time: GMT + 4.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 230. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 00. There are a limited number of public telephone booths, mainly at the airport and in major hotels.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 networks, with coverage extending over the whole island. Network operators include Cellplus Mobile Comms (website: www.gocellplus.com) and Emtel (website: www.emtel-ltd.com). Handsets and SIM cards can be hired.
Fax
Most hotels have facilities, as well as Mauritius Telecom offices in Port Louis and Cassis.
Internet
There are a number of ISPs in Mauritius; they include Telecom Plus (website: www.servihoo.com), Mauritius Network (MNS), MauriNet and Mauritius Telecom (website: http://mt.intnet.mu). There are Internet cafes in Phoenix, Vaoas and other main towns. Most hotels offer internet facilities.
Telegram
Messages can be sent from the Mauritius Telecommunications Service offices in Cassis and Port Louis. There are also facilities at Overseas Telecoms Services Ltd, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis.
Post
Airmail to Western Europe usually takes five days; by sea, mail takes four to six weeks. Post office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0815-1115 and 1200-1600, Sat 0800-1145.
Press
Of the nine daily newspapers, two are published in Chinese and the remainder in French and English. L’Express, Le Mauricien and Le Quotidien have the highest circulation.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | No | Yes | | Australian | Yes | No | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | No | Yes | | USA | Yes | No | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | No | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | No | Yes |
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all. Passports issued by the government of Taiwan are not recognised. The holders of such documents can apply for an entry permit to the Passport and Immigration Officer (see address below).
Note: All visitors must hold valid tickets and documents for their onward or return journey and adequate funds for their intended length of stay.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays up to three months;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries for stays of up to three months (except nationals of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cameroon, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Swaziland who do require a visa);
(c) nationals of Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates for stays of up to three months;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business and Social, each available as single- or multiple-entry. Visas are issued free of charge.
Validity: Tourist/Business visas: up to three months. Applications for extensions should be made to the relevant authority (see below).
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section for details.
Note: (a) Nationals of Argentina and China (Rep) providing holding Hong Kong (SAR), China passports can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to three months. (b) Nationals of Mozambique can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to one month. (c) Nationals of Albania, Bulgaria, CIS, Comoros, Czech Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Hungary, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Moldova, Poland and Romania can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 15 days. (d) Nationals of Algeria, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Sudan need special clearance and must apply for a visa at least seven weeks prior to departure.
Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Passport-size photo including photocopy of passport page with date of birth. (c) Proof of means of support during stay. (d) Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking or letter of invitation. (e) Self-addressed stamped envelope.
Working days required: Varies according to nationality of applicant. May take at least one month.
Temporary residence: Residence permits are issued by the Passport and Immigration Officer, Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey Street, Port Louis (tel: 210 9312-9; fax: 210 9322). Work permits are necessary for those taking up employment.
Money
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MRs) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of MRs2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Coins are in denominations of MRs10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.
Currency exchange: Available in banks and at bureaux de change. A better rate of exchange can be obtained on travellers cheques than on cash.
Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express are widely accepted. Check with your credit, or debit, card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: May be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised dealers.
Currency restrictions: There are no limits on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Mauritian Rupee against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 44.08 | 45.29 | 46.73 | 43.79 | | $1.00= | 30.25 | 29.78 | 29.55 | 27.50 |
Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0915-1530, Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0915-1115 (except for Bank of Mauritius). Some banks may open Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Mauritius by persons 16 and over without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes, 250g of tobacco products or 50 cigars; 1l of spirits and 2l of wine or beer; 250ml of eau de toilette and a small quantity of perfume for personal use.
Restricted items: Vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants and seeds must be declared, as must firearms and ammunition. Sugar cane may not be brought into the country.
Public Holidays
Jan 1-2 2003 New Year. Jan 19 Thaipoosam Cavadee. Feb 1 Chinese New Year; Abolition of Slavery Day. Mar 1 Maha Shivaratree. Mar 12 National Day. Apr 2 Ougadi. May 1 Labour Day. Sep 1 Ganesh Chaturti. Oct 25 Diwali. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 2 Arrival of Indentured Labourers. Nov 26-28 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1-2 2004 New Year. Jan 22 Chinese New Year. Jan/Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee. Feb 1 Abolition of Slavery Day. Feb 18 Maha Shivaratri. Mar 12 National Day. Mar 21 Ougadi. Apr 9 Good Friday. May 1 Labour Day. Sep 18 Ganesh Chaturti. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 2 Arrival of Indentured Labourers. Nov 12 Diwali. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Note: (a) Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon. The dates given above are approximations. (b) There is a diversity of cultures in Mauritius, each with its own set of holidays. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last from two to ten days, depending on the town or region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. (d) Chinese festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | No | 1 | | Cholera | No | No | | Typhoid and Polio | 2 | N/A | | Malaria | 3 | N/A |
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. The Mauritius government considers those countries and areas classified as yellow fever endemic to be infected.
2: Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is usually advised.
3: Malaria risk, exclusively in the benign vivax form, exists throughout the year in northern rural areas, except on Rodrigues Island. Recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine.
Food & drink: Water used for drinking should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases, giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A, B and E occur.
Health care: Public medical facilities are numerous and of a high standard and there are several private clinics. All treatment at state-run hospitals is free for Mauritians, but foreign visitors have to pay. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK; health insurance is advised.
Note: For travellers applying for a working visa or permanent residence an HIV test will be required.
Travel - International
AIR: The national airline of Mauritius is Air Mauritius (MK). Air Austral, Air Europe, Air France, Air India, Air Madagascar, Malaysian Airlines, Air Seychelles, Air Zimbabwe, Singapore Airlines and South African Airways also fly to Mauritius.
Approximate flight times: From Mauritius to London is 11 hours 30 minutes (non-stop).
International airports: Mauritius (MRU) (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) is 48km (30 miles) southeast of Port Louis. Taxis are available to the city (travel time – 45 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, snack bar, post office, shops and car hire (Avis, Europcar and Hertz). A new terminal has recently been built.
Departure tax: None.
SEA: Port Louis is the main port. It is primarily commercial but there is a limited passenger service to Réunion and Rodrigues Island.
Travel - Internal
AIR: Air Mauritius operates daily flights connecting Plaisance Airport and Rodrigues Island (flight time – 1 hour 15 minutes).
SEA: Coraline sails once a week to Rodrigues Island from Port Louis. Contact Mauritius Shipping, Nova Building, One Military Road, Port Louis (tel: 242 2912 or 242 5255; fax: 242 5245).
ROAD: There is a good network of paved roads covering the island. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: There are excellent and numerous bus services to all parts of the island. Taxi: These have white registration plates with black figures. Taxis are metered. Car hire: There are numerous car-hire firms. Most require drivers to be over 23 years old. Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although a foreign licence is accepted. A temporary driving licence is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving licence.
URBAN: Bus and taxi services are available in urban areas. Bicycles and boats are also available to hire.
TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Port Louis to other major cities/towns in Mauritius.
| | Road |
| Curepipe | 0.20 |
| Plaisance | 1.00 |
| Grand Bay | 0.30 |
| St Geran | 1.00 |
| Touessrok | 1.00 |
| Souillac | 1.00 |
Accommodation
There is an abundance of hotels throughout the island and a number of smaller family holiday bungalows. From June to September and during the Christmas season, reservations should be made in advance. A ten per cent tax is added to all hotel bills. For more information, contact the Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section for details) or the Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l’Ile de Maurice (AHRIM), Level 7, Travel House, Royal Road, Port Louis, Mauritius (tel: 211 4758; fax: 211 7359; website: www.mauritius.net/ahrim), who also have a desk at the airport (tel: 637 3782).
Port Louis
Capital and main port of Mauritius, the city was founded by the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. The harbour is sheltered by a semicircle of mountains. The city has plenty of character, and, in some quarters, signs of its past elegance are still evident. Off the main square, the palm-lined Place d’Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially Government House (built in 1738) and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same time. There are two cathedrals, one Protestant and one Catholic, a fine Supreme Court Building, some 18th-century barracks and the Natural History Museum (exhibiting Mauritius’s most famous bird, the extinct Dodo). On the outskirts of the city, at the foot of the mountains, is the Champ de Mars, originally laid out by the French for military parades, and now a racecourse. The splendid Edward VII Avenue and Fort Adelaide, a citadel fortified in the time of William IV, offer the best views of the racecourse, city and harbour. South of Port Louis is Le Réduit, the French colonial residence of the President of Mauritius, set in magnificent gardens. Other places of interest include the Jummah Mosque in Royal Street and the Chinese Pagoda.
Excursions: The Domaine Les Pailles nature park nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range covers an area of 3000 acres. Among the attractions are a natural spring, a spice garden, a replica of a sugar mill and an old rum distillery. Trips through the park in four-wheel-drive vehicles, horse-drawn carriages or trains are also possible.
Northern and Western Mauritius
To the north of Port Louis are the Pamplemousses Gardens. These, created at the end of the eighteenth century, are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees. Of particular interest is the talipot palm, which is said to flower once, after 60 years, and then die. There are also tortoises here, some of them over 100 years old.
Facing the calm water of the lagoon between Pointe aux Piments and Trou aux Biches is the Aquarium populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges, all originating from the waters around the island. An open-circuit sea-water cycle of one million litres runs through the 36 tanks every day. The Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to admire the colourful treasures of the Indian Ocean.
The island’s main residential town in the west of the country, Curepipe, provides good shops and restaurants. Between Curepipe and Floreal lies Trou aux Cerfs, a dramatic, extinct crater 85m (280ft) deep and more than 180m (600ft) wide, which offers extensive views of the island from its rim.
Open daily, Casela Bird Park is set in the district of the Rivière Noire, stretches over 20 acres of land and contains more than 140 varieties, amounting to 2500 birds. Specimens from the five continents may be seen there, but the main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, which is one of the rarest birds in the world. Other attractions are the fish ponds, tortoises, monkeys and orchids (seasonal). Trees, streams and small cascades all add to the remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
RODRIGUES ISLAND: Situated 550km (340 miles) north-east of Mauritius, this tiny, rugged, volcanic island is a beautiful and relaxing refuge for travellers. The island is covered in coconut palms, casuarina trees and pink-flowered bushes known as vieilles filles (spinsters). The capital, Port Mathurin is the main port of entry and the ‘Mauritius Pride’ sails regularly to and from Mauritius.
Southern Mauritius
Domaine des Grands Bois covers over 2000 acres of magnificent parkland, rich in lush and exotic fauna. Ebony, eucalyptus, palm trees and wild orchids provide the backdrop for stags, deer, monkeys and other wildlife.
Near Souillac, in the wild south, La Vanille Crocodile Park breeds Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar. The site offers a vast park with a nature walk through luxuriant forest studded with freshwater springs. A small zoo of animals found in the wild in Mauritius is also located here.
Situated nearby, the Rochester Falls can be reached by a road which crosses a sugar plantation that is open to visitors. Water cascades over spectacular rock formations. Spectacular joints have been formed by the contraction of lava due to sudden cooling.
Within a short distance of Bois Cheri, Grand Bassin rests in the crater of an extinct volcano, this is one of the island’s two natural lakes. It is a place of pilgrimage for a large number of Mauritians of the Hindu faith.
To the southwest lies Plaine Champagne, the highest part of the central plateau (740m/2430ft), from where there is a superb view of the Rivière Noire Mountains and the sea lining the horizon. The forest-clad slopes contain some fine specimens of indigenous timber and interesting plants peculiar to the island. For the keen birdwatcher, the mountains are the habitat of most of the remaining indigenous species.
A twisting, tarred road leads from Case Noyale village to Chamarel. This is an area of undulating land of seven contrasting layers of coloured dunes: blue, green, red and yellow earth, believed to be the result of weathering. The nearby Chamarel Waterfall emerges from the moors and the primeval vegetation and is very beautiful.
Beaches
Tamarin: Lying in the shadow of the Rivière Noire Mountains, Tamarin has a fine lagoon which is split in two by the Rivière Noire estuary. The bathing at this point is a big attraction, and amenities for surfing in the big ocean swells are available.
Grand Baie: The northern coastline beyond Baie du Tombeau has many delightful beaches: Pointe aux Piments, famous for its underwater scenery; Trou aux Biches, with its fringe of filaos (casuarina) and coconut palms and its splendid Hindu temple; further up the coast, Choisy, one of the most popular beaches on the island, offering facilities for safe bathing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing; finally, the coastline curves into Grand Baie itself, the main centre for yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing and many other sports.
Péreybère: This delightful little cove is midway on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux. The deep, clear, water makes it one of the very best bathing places on the whole island.
Cap Malheureux: This is a fishing village in the extreme north with a magnificent view of Flat Island, Round Island and Gunner’s Quoin, which are islands of volcanic origin, rising from the light-green sea.
Grand Gaube: Further along the coast is another charming fishing village where fishermen have earned a well-deserved reputation for their skill in the making of sailing craft and of deep-sea fishing.
Roches Noires/Poste Lafayette: These are both favoured seaside resorts, especially in the hotter months, because of the fresh prevailing winds that blow almost all the year round from the sea.
Belle Mare: A beautiful white sandy beach with fine bathing is found here. The coast, with its white sweep of sands at Palmar and Trou d’Eau Douce, stretches out lazily to Grand Port, a quaint little village by the sea. There, the beach narrows and the road follows the coastline closely to Mahébourg. Pointe d’Esny, the adjoining white sandy beach with its string of bungalows, leads to Blue Bay.
Blue Bay: In a semicircle of filao trees lies one of the finest bathing spots on the island. Situated on the southeast coast, not far from Mahébourg, Blue Bay offers a fine stretch of white sandy beach, and a deep, clear, light-blue bathing pool. There is also scope for yachting and windsurfing.
Sport & Activities
Watersports: Beaches, lagoons and inlets around the coast offer plenty of opportunity for safe swimming (see Resorts & Excursions section), supplemented by hotel swimming pools. Grand Baie, north of Pamplemousses Gardens, is a popular beach for diving. Further good dive sites can be found around Fic-en-Flac on the west coast of Mauritius, and on Rodrigues Island. The Mauritian Scuba Diving Association can provide further information (tel: 454 0011; e-mail: msda@intnet.mu). There is good coastal and inland fishing around the island.
Golf: This is becoming increasingly popular on Mauritius, with an annual Golf Open held in December. Golf courses offering 18 holes are at Belle Mare Plage in the northeast and the Paradis Brabant Hotel in the southwest. Smaller rounds can be played at St Geran Hotel, Trou aux Biches, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach and Maritim which offer nine holes.
Other: There are many opportunities for trekking in the interior of the island. Many of the best walks are in the Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park. Rodrigues Island also has some lovely hiking country, with coastal and mountain walks, notably to the island’s highest points, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic. The Hippodrome at the Champ de Mars has meetings at the weekends between May and October where spectators can watch horseracing.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Waiter service is normal in restaurants and bars. Standards of cuisine, whether French, Creole, Indian, Chinese or English, are generally very high but fruit, meat, vegetables and even fresh seafood are often in short supply and restaurants must usually depend on imports. Specialities include venison (in season), camarons (freshwater prawns) in hot sauces, octopus, creole fish, fresh pineapple with chilli sauce, and rice with curry.
Rum and beer are staple beverages for Mauritians but there is good imported wine, mineral water, alouda (almond drink) and fresh coconut milk.
Nightlife: In Grand Baie and some towns there are discotheques and nightclubs with music and dancing. Rivière Noire is a Creole fishermen’s district where sega dancing is especially lively on Saturday nights. Sega troupes give performances at most hotels. Gamblers are lavishly catered for; casinos in the island’s hotels are amongst the island’s attractions.
Shopping: The Central Market in Port Louis is full of beautifully displayed goods, including fruit, vegetables, spices, fish, meat and handicrafts. Island crafts include jewellery, Chinese and Indian jade, silks, basketry and pottery. Shopping centres are located at Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill. There is no duty payable on a number of products, including textiles. Shop signs may be in English, French or Chinese. Beside the Museum in Mahébourg, on the south east coast of the island, is a handicraft village. Shopping hours: Port Louis: Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-1200. Curepipe, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes: Mon-Wed; Fri and Sat 1000-1730, Thurs-Sun 1000-1200.
Special Events: With origins in three continents and three major religions there is a great diversity of religious and cultural festivals. For a complete list and for exact dates of festivals and events, enquire at the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of events taking place in 2003:
Jan 14 Thai Pongal (Tamil new year celebrations). Feb 1 Chinese Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). Feb-Mar Maha Shivaratree (celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva). Sep 9 Pere Laval’s Day (celebrated in honour of the missionary), Port Louis.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should respect the traditions of their hosts, particularly when visiting a private house. The type of hospitality the visitor receives is determined by the religion and social customs of the host, which are closely related. It is appropriate to give a gift as a small token of appreciation if invited for a meal. Dress is normally informal although men will need to wear a suit for particularly formal occasions. Tipping: Ten per cent is usual in most hotels and restaurants. Tips are not customary for taxi drivers.
Business Profile
Economy: Sugar dominates Mauritius’ agricultural economy: raw and processed sugar accounts for one-quarter of the island’s export earnings. Tobacco and tea are the other main cash crops. Since independence in 1968, the Government has deliberately sought to develop the industrial and service components of the economy. The island’s industrial capacity is centred on a number of Export Processing Zones whose main products are clothing, textiles, consumer and industrial electronics, flowers and jewellery.
Mauritius’ service economy is based on tourism and financial service. Tourism is well established and now worth over US$500 million annually. The growth of financial services arose from a government initiative implemented in 1989; as a result, the island has since attracted more than US$1 billion of investment, mainly from South Africa and the Indian sub-continent. The island’s largest trading partners are France, the USA, Hong Kong, the UK and South Africa. Mauritius is a member of the Indian Ocean Commission, which promotes regional economic co-operation, and of the Southern African Development Community.
Business: Suits are often worn in business circles. Appointments should be made. English is widely understood in the business community. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1600, Sat 0900-1200 (some offices only).
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Three Royal Street, Port Louis (tel: 208 3301; fax: 208 0076; e-mail: mcci@intnet.mu; website: www.mcci.org).
Climate
Warm coastal climate (particularly January to April), with relatively little seasonal variation in temperatures, although they are generally slightly lower inland, with more rain on the plateau around Curepipe. Cyclones may occur between November and February. Sea breezes blow all year, especially on the east coast.
Required clothing: Tropical lightweights, with warmer wear for evenings and winter months (July-September). Rainwear advisable all year round. In the summer months sun-care products and a hat are advisable.
History and Government
History: The island group was uninhabited until the 16th century when it was occupied by a small Dutch force that named it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. It was abandoned in 1710 and then re-occupied five years later by the French who imported African slaves to work on the sugar plantations. Mauritius and its neighbouring islands were captured by the British in 1810 and formally ceded by the 1814 Treaty of Paris. After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, Indian labourers were imported and their descendants now comprise more than two-thirds of the population. Incorporated into the British Empire, Mauritius remained a colony until 1957, when it was granted internal self-government with an electoral system based on the Westminster model.
Dr (later Sir) Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s Labour Party came to power. Full independence was granted in 1968, but the British kept a number of smaller islands, which were hived off as the British Indian Ocean Territory. These included Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos archipelago, which has been leased to the USA and now hosts a large naval and air force facility which played a key role in both the 1991 Gulf War and the 2001 Afghanistan conflict. The presumed maltreatment of the former inhabitants, who were expelled to make way for the new base, was the subject of an interim settlement in the English courts in 2000 under which some of them and their descendants may in principle be able to return to part of the archipelago. The settlement is still under discussion.
Post-independence Mauritian politics have been dominated by Ramgoolam, and then by the two principal figures of the Mauritian Left, Paul Bérenger and (later Sir) Anerood Jugnauth. The charismatic Bérenger made a dramatic contrast to the cautious, pragmatic Jugnauth, and the focus of the Mauritian political scene has often been the personal and political clash between the two.
Both rose to prominence in the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) which emerged as the principal opposition to Ramgoolam’s coalition governments of the late 1960s and 1970s. These administrations were dominated by Ramgoolam’s own Mauritian Labour Party (MLP) and the Parti Mauricien Social Démocratique (PMSD) led by Gaetan Duval. The MMM eventually came to power in 1982 following a landslide general election victory. However, the administration was fraught with policy disagreements and personality clashes. Jugnauth then left the MMM to form the Mouvement Socialiste Mauricien (MSM) and fought the 1987 election campaign in alliance with the Labour Party and the Social Democrats. This three-party alliance won the poll.
The governments of the 1990s were a series of coalitions between the MMM and either Jugnauth’s Socialist Movement or – for a two-year period – the Labour party. The latter was now led by Navin Ramgoolam, son of Sir Seewoosagur, while Jugnauth and Bérenger continued to dominate their respective parties. At the most recent election in 2000, the MSM and the MMM, under Jugnauth’s leadership, won all but eight of the National Assembly’s 62 seats. Shortly afterwards, Mauritius achieved a welcome boost to its international profile by narrowly defeating Sudan to secure for the first time a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
In 1992, Jugnauth had achieved a key political objective by converting Mauritius into a republic within the Commonwealth with a president, elected by the national assembly, as head of state. The post has limited political clout. This was highlighted in February 2002 when the incumbent, Angidi Chettiar, resigned over the proposed introduction of draconian anti-terrorist legislation. His immediate successor followed suit after just three days. The post is now held by Karl Auguste Offmann, and the anti-terrorism bill which caused the upheaval is law.
Government: Under constitutional amendments that came into effect in March 1992, Mauritius is now a republic. Legislative power rests with the unicameral 62-seat National Assembly, which is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. Four additional members are appointed by the Supreme Court. The National Assembly elects the President of the Republic who is Head of State. The President appoints the Prime Minister from the Assembly and other ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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