Discover Mauritius Island

Capital: Port-Louis

Surface: The total land area of Mauritius is around 2,040 sq km

Population: 1,2 million

Government: Mauritius is an ancient British colony, now a republic. It is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.

Airport: Plaisance International Airport, close to Mahébourg, is situated at 48 km to the south-east of Port-Louis, the capital (45 minutes' drive by taxi).

Climate: The climate is tropical, modified by south-east trade winds. Summer is humid and hot (November to April,) and winter warm, dry winter (May to October). The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The cyclone season runs from December through March.

Culture: Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population
is of European, African, Asian and mixed origins.

Economy: The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: textile, tourism, sugar and offshore financial services.

Electricity: 220 V. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.

Health: No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases have been reported.

Language: English is the official language, but Creole is used by everybody, and French is the most commonly spoken language.

Some Mauritians speak Chinese, Hindi and other Asian languages.

Money: Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Cash points in most of the villages. Visa cards and MasterCard are accepted everywhere. Diners Club and American Express are used mainly in hotels. The Mauritian rupee cannot be exchanged in any other countries.

Opening hours: Shops in Port-Louis: Monday to Friday : 9h30 - 17h00

Saturday: 9h00 - 12h00

Shops in Curepipe, Beau Bassin, Rose-Hill, Quatre-Bornes, Vacoas et Phoenix:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10h00 - 18h00

Thursday and Sunday: 10h00 - 12h00

Big shopping malls are opened 7 days a week closing around 5 pm on Sundays and 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Passport and Visa: Any person entering or leaving Mauritius shall produce to the Passport Officer a valid passport (at least six months validity beyond the intended period of stay) and a return or onward ticket. For visa enquiries, visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or their nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.

Religion: Hinduism (majority), Christianity (30%), Islam (17%), Buddhism.

Telephone: Country code: 230. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 020 + country code

Time: GMT + 4