Mauritius gained independence on March 12, 1968, with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam as the first Prime Minister. It became a republic within the Commonwealth on March 12, 1992. Today, Mauritius is known for its political stability, economic prosperity, and rich cultural diversity.

Every group of immigrants, with their distinct cultures, traditions, and histories, has contributed in just the right proportion to Mauritius’ unique identity. It is like a salad where each community retains its integrity, all dressed in a “mayonnaise” of understanding and tolerance.

Mauritius, initially uninhabited, was discovered by Arab sailors in the 10th century and later by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The Dutch first settled in 1638 but abandoned the island in 1710.

The French took control in 1715, renaming it Isle de France, and developed it using African slave labor. In 1810, the British captured Mauritius, continuing the sugar industry and abolishing slavery in 1835. They brought in Indian indentured laborers, significantly shaping the island’s demographic and cultural landscape. The arrival of Chinese immigrants further enriched the island’s cultural diversity.