Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is known for its
pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. So what else is there to know about this beautiful
country? Let’s take a look at some of the history and culture of Mauritius.
Mauritius was discovered by the Dutch in 1598, but it was not until 1638 that they began to colonize the
island. During their colonization, they brought with them slaves from Madagascar and East Africa to
work on sugar plantations. The Dutch eventually abandoned the island in 1710 and it was taken over by
the French in 1715. The British took control of Mauritius in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars and held
on to it until independence was declared in 1968.
The first president of Mauritius was Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam who served from 1968-1982. He
ended British rule and laid down the groundwork for modern democracy in Mauritius. After his death,
he was succeeded by Anerood Jugnauth who served as both prime minister and president from 1982-
2003 before stepping down due to health issues. Kailash Purryag then assumed office as president from
2012-2015 before being replaced by current president Ameenah Gurib-Fakim who has held office since
2015.
The flag of Mauritius was adopted on March 12th, 1968 when independence was declared from Britain.
It consists of four horizontal stripes (red, blue, yellow, green) with a white crescent moon and four white
stars in its center representing Islam’s influence on the country’s culture. Additionally, each color
represents something different: red stands for bloodshed during slavery and colonization; blue
symbolizes justice; yellow represents religious unity; green stands for hope; while white is purity and
peace. Present Day
Today, Mauritius is thriving with a booming tourism industry thanks to its tropical climate and beautiful
beaches that attract visitors from all over the world. It also has a fast growing economy powered by its
abundance of natural resources like sugar cane production which accounts for 25% of GDP as well as its
vibrant textile industry which exports clothing around the globe. Moreover, education is highly valued in
Mauritius with literacy rates approaching 95%. This has helped create a strong workforce that drives
economic growth throughout the country!
Mauritius may be small but it packs quite a punch! From its rich history under colonial rule to its
booming present day economy driven by natural resources and tourism – there’s no denying that this
small island nation has come a long way! With strong educational values helping create an even stronger
workforce coupled with an array of natural attractions – there’s no telling just how far this little nation
can go! So if you ever find yourself looking for a unique travel destination – why not consider giving
Mauritius a try? You won’t regret it!