Mauritius is a country in East Africa, Africa with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Mauritius that most people don't know.
Mark Twain famously wrote of Mauritius: 'You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.' The island is known for its exceptional beauty, stability and the extinct dodo — found nowhere else.
The dodo bird, now extinct, was native only to Mauritius.
Mauritius has no indigenous population — it was uninhabited until the 1600s.
Mark Twain wrote that God created Mauritius first and then used it as a model for Heaven.
Mauritius is one of Africa's wealthiest and most stable nations.
Mark Twain famously wrote of Mauritius: 'You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.' The island is known for its exceptional beauty, stability and the extinct dodo — found nowhere else.
Mauritius is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
Mauritius's largest national park — tropical forest with rare endemic birds and stunning waterfalls
UNESCO dramatic basalt peninsula — a symbol of the slaves who threw themselves off rather than return to captivity
A unique geological phenomenon — sand dunes of seven distinct colours that never mix
UNESCO the site where indentured labourers first arrived in Mauritius — a key site in world labour history
Mark Twain famously wrote of Mauritius: 'You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.' The island is known for its exceptional beauty, stability and the extinct dodo — found nowhere else.
The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.
Mauritius has a population of approximately 1.3M.
The official languages of Mauritius are English / French / Creole.
Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).