Mauritius is often referred to as tropical heaven on earth by people who have previously visited this gem of an island. Spanning over a length of 65 km and stretching 45 km wide, the island is filled with a number of dazzling beaches. This land’s natural beauty, rich nature, and wealth in flora and fauna are what attract millions of tourists every year. Mauritius's waterfalls are also one of the most gorgeous in the world.
This paradise island is perfect for both adventure enthusiasts and solace seekers. The diverse nature of this region, with coastlines and terra firma all gathered within the same country, is what makes Mauritius worth a visit. You will witness sapphire blue lagoons, thriving reefs, and tremendous coastlines.
In addition to that, the country is also home to the most diverse cultures, religions, and culinary influences. The natives here communicate in English, French, and Creole because of the historical influences of the British and French on the island. Infused with historic landmarks and gorgeous architecture, Mauritius makes a must-visit holiday destination.
Things You Did Not Know About Mauritius:
Whether you’re on your Mauritius holiday tour already or are planning a visit in the near future, here is a list of things you should know. These facts about Mauritius will strengthen your urge to explore this country even more.
It was discovered by sailors from Arab and Malaysia
Mauritius was previously colonized by the British, French, and Dutch, resulting in a rich historical background. They first brought slavery into the region and then employed Indian and Chinese laborers on contract. This resulted in diverse influences on the region that led to a very unique culture. Eventually, the British colony fell and Mauritius got its independence in 1968.
While these are all known facts, there are some lesser-known facts that many people, including the Mauritians, are unaware of. One of them is that this land was first discovered by Arab and Malay soldiers in the 10th century. Later in the 16th century, the Portuguese landed on the island that was isolated back then. It was colonized from the 17th to the 19th century by people of multiple ethnicities.
It is made up of multiple islands
Mauritius is not a single island nation, in fact, it is spread across 5 different islands sitting within the Indian Ocean. Aside from the island of Mauritius, the country is also composed of Cargados Carajos islands, the island of Rodrigues, and the Agalega islands. Another island called the Chagos Archipelago is claimed by the British to be their territory, but Mauritius is also adamant on assuming 2000 km of this island’s area from the northwest.
The single known habitat of Dodo
The bird Dodo which has long gone extinct is known to be native to Mauritius. This flightless bird was endemic to the main island of Mauritius. The fact also led to the bird becoming the national bird of Mauritius. Dodo has even become a symbolic representation for the locals, as the national Coat of Arms. The paleontologists of the region claim that it evolved from pigeons who could not find their way.
Mauritius has no official language
The city of Mauritius Port Louis was declared the capital of the country in 2011, but Mauritius has yet to select an official language. While the government has proclaimed English to be the national language, it is not the language the majority of the Mauritian population can speak. English is utilized for administrative purposes, but many of the natives are seen speaking French.
Creole, which is a dialect inspired by French, is where the fluency of 85.6% of the Mauritian population lies. Even though Creole is clearly the most commonly used language among citizens, it is not considered the official language. In fact, the formal language of Mauritius is yet to be claimed.
The most densely populated country in Africa
Mauritius is a small country, and the 1.2 million population makes it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. In Africa, it ranks the highest in terms of population, with most of its inhabitants belonging to the Indo-Pak region. These people make up one-third of the total population, and most of them were the descendants of the laborers that were indentured in this region by the British.
The rest of the population is a mix of African and French people, and they are called Creoles. You will also find a small number of Sino-Mauritians (Chinese descendants) and Franco-Mauritians on the island of Mauritius.
Here is a list of the five most interesting facts about Mauritius you probably did not know. If you are interested to learn more about the country, traveling to Mauritius is the best way to do that.
You can now avail a number of affordable packages from Flamboyant Travel and Tours to make your trip memorable. Have a look at our travel deals to book your favorite activities to do on the paradise island. Choose between North tour, South tour, or hiking packages to enjoy an experience of a lifetime.
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