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Mauritius, a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches in the Indian Ocean, has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population of Asians, Europeans and Africans. The island has maintained one of the developing world's most successful democracies and has enjoyed years of constitutional order.
Overview
It has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories.
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AT-A-GLANCE
Politics: Navin Ramgoolam became premier in July 2005, having already held the post from 1995 to 2000. Changing coalitions are a feature of politics
Economy: Political stability and efforts to diversify have helped Mauritius become one of Africa's most prosperous economies.
International: Mauritius claims the Chagos Islands, administered by Britain and home to a US military base on Diego Garcia.
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Once reliant on sugar as its main crop export, Mauritius was hit by the removal of European trade preferences but has successfully diversified into textiles, upmarket tourism, banking and business outsourcing. The strategy helped the island's economy weather the world financial crisis of 2008-9 better than expected. Various cultures and traditions flourish in peace, though Mauritian Creoles, descendants of African slaves who make up a third of the population, live in poverty and complain of discrimination. Mauritius was uninhabited when the Dutch took possession in 1598. Abandoned in 1710, it was taken over by the French in 1715 and seized by the British in 1810. It gained independence in 1968 as a constitutional monarchy, with executive power nominally vested in the British monarch. It became a republic in 1992. The island of Rodrigues and other smaller islets also form part of the country. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos islands, which lie around 1,000 km to the north-east. The British territory, which was separated from Mauritius in 1965, is home to the US military base on Diego Garcia. The British government oversaw the forced removal of the Chagos islanders to Mauritius to make way for the base. The country is home to some of the world's rarest plants and animals. But human habitation and the introduction of non-native species have threatened its indigenous flora and fauna. The dodo - a flightless bird and a national symbol - was hunted into extinction in the 17th century.
Facts
- Full name: The Republic of Mauritius
- Population: 1.3 million (UN, 2010)
- Capital and largest city: Port Louis
- Area: 2,040 sq km (788 sq miles)
- Major languages: English (official), Creole, French, Indian languages
- Major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
- Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Mauritian rupee=100 cents
- Main exports: Sugar, clothing, tea, jewellery
- GNI per capita: US $7,240 (World Bank, 2009)
- Internet domain: .mu
- International dialling code: +230
Leaders
President: Sir Anerood Jugnauth Prime minister: Navin Ramgoolam Former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of the Social Alliance returned to power after defeating Paul Berenger of the Mauritian Militant Movement in elections in July 2005.
Navin Ramgoolam won a second, non-consecutive term in 2005
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The ruling alliance, which includes Mr Ramgoolam's Labour Party and the Militant Socialist Movement, was re-elected in a closely fought vote in 2010, defeating the Mauritian Militant Movement led by Mr Berenger. Both main blocs campaigned on a promise of strengthening the welfare state and social justice. Born in 1947, Mr Ramgoolam served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000. He is a doctor and lawyer. His predecessor Paul Berenger, a white Mauritian of French descent, became the island's first non-Hindu prime minister in 2003.
Media
The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. State-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) radio and TV generally reflect government thinking. MBC is funded by advertising and a TV licence fee. Private radio stations were introduced in 2002. Daily newspapers and weeklies offer balanced coverage in several languages. They are often critical of both the government and the opposition parties. Two media groups - Le Mauricien Ltd and La Sentinelle Ltd - dominate the press scene. Television is the most-popular medium. Multichannel TV is available in Port Louis. Internet access is widely available; by early 2008, nearly 27% of the population had access (ITU). BBC World Service radio is available via a mediumwave (AM) relay (1575 kHz). Radio France Internationale is relayed on FM. The press
Television
- MBC - state-run, operates three channels and a service for Rodrigues Island
Radio
- MBC - state-run, broadcasting in English, French, Indian languages and Chinese. MBC stations include Radio Maurice 1 and 2, Kool FM, Taal FM, One World FM and Radio Rodrigues.
- Top FM - private FM station, Bollywood music and Western pop
- Radio One - first private radio station
- Radio Plus - private
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