Mauritius Leisures
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    About Mauritius

    Mauritius, known officially as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation located off the southeast coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. It is a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline.

    The island is situated approximately 2400 kilometers off the South East Coast of Africa. The island covers an area of 1,865 square kilometers or 720 square miles, with 330 kilometers of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

    Mauritius is a densely populated island of around 1.2 million people. It has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population. Mauritius is known as a plural society where all the ethnic groups present: Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans live in peace and where all the ancestral cultures have been preserved. These features make the island a unique place in the world, and the Mauritians known for their tolerance and kindness towards all people.

    Most Mauritians are bilingual being equally fluent in French and English. English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Oriental languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic.

    Mauritius has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories, being a sugar and clothing exporter and a center for up market tourism.

Additional Information

The island of Mauritius itself is divided into nine districts:

  1. Black River
  2. Flacq
  3. Grand Port
  4. Moka
  5. Pamplemousses
  6. Plaines Wilhems
  7. Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius)
  8. Rivière du Rempart
  9. Savanne

Additional facts on Mauritius Island

What to wear

When visiting Mauritius it is advisable to take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering a religious premises.

Emergency numbers

Police : 999 / 112
Ambulance : 999 / 114
Fire : 995 / 115
Information : 150

Flights from Europe

When visiting Mauritius it is advisable to take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering a religious premises.

Working Hours

Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm, Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm, Saturday : 9 am – 1pm

Currency

The Mauritian unit of currency is the rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (c). There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents, and of 1, 5 and 10 Rupees (Rs). The bank note denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.

Shopping

Shopping hours in the main cities ranges from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centers (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Mauritius.

Time

Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of mid-European Time (2 hours difference during the winter time, and 4 hours difference during the summer time).

Telecommunications

Mauritius has international direct dialing facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and Internet services.

Driving

Driving is on the left, with priority to the right.

Electricity

220 volts

International Country Calling code - Mauritius

230