Mauritius at a Glance
Often referred to as the “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,” Mauritius is located to the east of the African continent, about 800 km from Madagascar. As one of the wealthiest nations in the region, alongside Seychelles, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene chain of islands and enjoys a maritime tropical climate.
The island features two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Le Morne Brabant mountain, renowned for its hiking and climbing opportunities, and Aapravasi Ghat in the capital city of Port Louis, a historic monument commemorating the abolition of slavery.
Mauritius is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the optical illusion of an underwater waterfall, the vibrant Chamarel plain soils known as the “Seven Coloured Earth,” and its surrounding coral reefs. These features make it a remarkable destination for both visitors and residents.
Major cities like Port Louis and Flacq reflect the island’s rich multicultural heritage, where the influences of Asian, British, Chinese, Indian, and French ancestries are evident in daily life.
Dynamic Economy
Mauritius boasts a mixed and steadily developing economy, characterized by consistent growth over recent decades. It stands out as one of Africa’s most business-friendly nations, with a GDP among the highest on the continent. The economy is driven primarily by tourism, sugar production, fishing (notably as a major tuna exporter), textile manufacturing, and financial and IT services.
Conveniently located, Mauritius is a four-hour flight from Johannesburg, 12 hours from Paris, and 13 hours from London.