Indian Ocean, off southeast coast of Africa; due east of Madagascar.

GMT + 4.

2040 sq km (788 sq miles).

1.2 million (UN, 2005).

588.24 per sq km.

Port Louis. Population: 146,319.

Mauritius, a volcanic and mountainous island in the Indian Ocean, lies 2000km (1240 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa, due east of Madagascar. The island state stands on what was once a land bridge between Asia and Africa called the Mascarene Archipelago. From the coast, the land rises to form a broad fertile plain on which sugar cane flourishes. Some 500km (310 miles) east is Rodrigues Island, while northeast are the Cargados Carajos Shoals and 900km (560 miles) to the north is Agalega.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1968. Head of State: President Sir Anerood Jugnauth since 2003. Head of Government: Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam since 2005. Recent history: Post-independence Mauritian politics have been dominated by Ramgoolam, and then by the two principal figures of the Mauritian Left, Paul Bérenger and (later Sir) Anerood Jugnauth. The charismatic Bérenger made a dramatic contrast to the cautious, pragmatic Jugnauth, and the focus of the Mauritian political scene has often been the personal and political clash between the two. Jugnauth withdrew from politics in 2003. After over a decade of dominating Mauritian politics, Jugnauth handed the Premiership over to Bérenger (who thus became the first non-Hindu to hold the post), and the leadership of the Socialists to his son, Pravind. In the most recent election in 2005, Navin Ramgoolam won his second non-consecutive term.
Under constitutional amendments that came into effect in March 1992, Mauritius is now a Republic. Legislative power rests with the unicameral 62-seat National Assembly, which is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. Four additional members are appointed by the Supreme Court. The National Assembly elects the President of the Republic who is Head of State. The President appoints the Prime Minister from the Assembly and other ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

The official languages are English and French (with French being the more popular), the most commonly used are Creole (a mixture of French and African languages), Hindi and Bhojpuri. Urdu and Chinese are also spoken.

52 per cent Hindu, 28 per cent Christian, 17 per cent Muslim.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should respect the traditions of their hosts, particularly when visiting a private house. The type of hospitality the visitor receives is determined by the religion and social customs of the host, which are closely related. It is appropriate to give a gift as a small token of appreciation if invited for a meal. Dress is normally informal although men will need to wear a suit for particularly formal occasions.