Register for free!
February 9th, 2010

Overview:

The Republic of Mauritius is an island nation in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 km east of Madagascar. In addition to the island of Mauritius, the republic includes the islands of St. Brandon and Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands. Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion 200 km to the southwest.

Cultural Notes:

The culture of Mauritius involves the blending of several cultures from Mauritius's history, as well as individual culture arising indigenously.

Mauritius is a multicultural country, but some have observed that it is not yet a nation where people look more in the direction of the land of their forebearers and fail to come to terms with the reality in which they face everyday life. And yet the country has, in essence, its own language (Mauritian or Mauritian Creole) and a thriving literature in that language, its own music and dance (the sega), a special cuisine - it's the land where miscegenation is rich and vibrant but there is a view that the root searching ideology of those in power tries to shroud what is most progressive in the cultural landscape.

Mauritian beer (especially Phoenix, since 1963), is a big part of Mauritian culture.

Things you should know when travelling to Mauritius

While crime levels are low, assaults, theft and rape do occur. Avoid walking alone after dark outside hotel grounds. Pickpockets are active in the central market in Port Louis. Ensure bags and personal belongings are secure, particularly in crowded markets, in Grand Baie, and in Flic en Flac. Demonstrations can occur on short notice and should be avoided. Exercise caution, particularly outside marked swimming areas. Swimmers have been seriously injured by speedboats. There are a large number of stray or uncontrolled dogs that could attack people. However, rabies is not a concern in Mauritius. The emergency number for the tourist police is 213-2818 and ambulance 999.