History

Of volcanic origin and sheltered for its major part by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has for long been a dream destination. Known to Arabs as early as the 10th Century, but officially "discovered" in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712), the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On March 12, 1968 Mauritius acceded to Independence. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Geographical Location

International Airport
Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Air Terminal, Plaisance(Code: MRU) is approximatively 3 kms from Mahebourg, 48kms from Port Louis, 80kms from Grand Baie, 55kms from Flic en Flac and 50kms from Belle Mare. Facilities include duty-free shops both on arrival and departure, bars, banks, and Post Office.

Population
At different stages during the course of the history of Mauritius, people of diverse origins- Indian (Hindus and Muslims), African, European and Chinese- have settled on the island bringing their culture language, values and traditions. The country today is a recognized cultural melting pot and is often cited as a perfect example of peaceful co- existing of the main religions of the world. The projected 2001 mid year population figure estimate is 1,200,000 while it stood at 1,93,565 as at December 2000. fluent in English and French. Creole and French are predominate everyday life and several oriented languages are spoken too. 

Climate (Sun, Sea, Sand)

In the central part of the island, 600 metres above the sea level, the average maximum day-time temperature varies from about 20 C in August to about 26 C in February. Along coastal areas, the temperatures are generally 3 to 5 degrees higher. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South. Weather vegetation covers much of the country throughout the year.
Weather forecasts may be obtained on 3026071.

Time/Telecommunication

Mauritius time is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3 hours ahead of mid-European time. Mauritius has international direct dialing facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax services. For video conferencing, interactive point to point or multi point services internet or virtual services, please contact:
Mauritius Telecom, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis
Tel: (230) 2087000

Government & Political System 

 Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model. Sixty-two members of Parliament are elected every five years by universal adult suffrage. The President is the head of the state but constitutional power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.  
 
 Language

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are predominate everyday life and several oriented languages are spoken too. 

Custom Regulations

Passengers of 16 years of age and over may import the following duty free: 250 grammes of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and a quantity of perfume not exceeding 10 cl. A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds. All plants must be declared to Customs immediately on arrival and are subject to examination. It is prohibited, by law, to introduce sugar cane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.

 Facilities for examination and certification of plant materials are available at Le Reduit (Tel:454-1091) and Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam International Airport offices of the Plant Pathology Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. (Tel : 637-3194). All animals including animal material need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a sanitary certificate from the country origin. All animals must be declared to the Customs Authorities immediately on arrival, and landing is allowed only if certificates issued by the Veterinary Authorities of the exporting country are in conformity with Import Permits. Dogs and cats undergo a six months' quarantine; Birds and other animal/species up to 2 months. Drug trafficking is illegal and carry very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunitions need import permits and must be declared on arrival. 

Health requirements 

Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for
travellers over 1 year of age and coming from infected areas. Infected areas are those areas which according to the World Health Organisation are included in the endemic zones.
Malaria : There is no malaria risk in Mauritius or Rodrigues.

  
Health (Emergency van) 
Emergency Services
  
Police, Ambulance: Dial 999.
Police: Dial 208-7013/20
Fire: Dial 995.
SAMU: Dial 114.