FAQs about Mauritius
Geography and Climate
• Location: Island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa.
• Climate: Tropical, with warm temperatures year-round. Summer (25°C to 30°C) from November to April; winter (20°C to 25°C) from May to October.
• 150 Kilometers of Sandy Beaches: The island has approximately 150 kilometers of pristine sandy beaches, popular for tourism and water activities.
Economy and Business Environment
• GDP per Capita: Over USD 14,000 as of December 2023.
• Growth Rate: Economic growth exceeded 7% in 2023, driven by sectors like tourism, ICT, financial services, and manufacturing.
• Ease of Doing Business: Ranked among the top African countries with a pro-business environment, simplified company setup, low taxes, and strong investor protections.
• Financial Services: A well-developed financial hub for banking and global business services in the region.
• Blue Economy: Focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources, fisheries, and aquaculture.
• ICT and Innovation: Developing its ICT sector with aspirations to become a smart island and a hub for innovation in the region.
• Tourism: A key economic driver with over 1 million visitors annually, attracted by luxury resorts, eco-tourism, golf courses, and cultural festivals.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
• Accessibility: Well-connected by air, with direct flights to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the main airport.
• Infrastructure: Modern road network with motorways connecting major cities and towns.
• Metro Express: An eco-friendly light rail system linking the capital, Port Louis, with nearby regions.
• Number of Vehicles: Over 600,000 registered vehicles, with ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Culture and Society
• Population: Approximately 1.3 million, with a multicultural mix including Indo-Mauritians, Creoles, Sino-Mauritians, and Franco-Mauritians.
• Languages: Official language is English, with French and Creole widely spoken. Many also speak Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Chinese.
• Cultural Heritage: A blend of cultures with festivals from Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism celebrated nationwide.
• UNESCO Heritage Sites: Le Morne Cultural Landscape, recognized for its historical significance related to slavery.
Governance and Stability
• Democracy: A stable parliamentary democracy with regular elections, strong rule of law, and high civil liberties, making Mauritius one of Africa’s most stable nations.
• Legal System: A blend of British common law and French civil law, providing strong protections for businesses and individuals.
Social Benefits and Welfare
• Welfare and Social Benefits: Free education, healthcare, and a robust pension system contribute to high literacy rates and social mobility.
• Education: Free education from primary to tertiary levels, contributing to a well-educated workforce.
Tourism and Hospitality
• 5-Star Hotels: World-class luxury hotels offering premium accommodations, wellness experiences, and fine dining.
• Best Destination by Forbes Magazine: Forbes magazine ranked Mauritius as one of the world’s best destinations for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxury resorts.
Emerging Sectors
• Health Tourism: Mauritius is emerging as a destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality and affordable healthcare services.
• Renewable Energy: The country is committed to increasing the use of renewable energy, especially through solar and wind power, as part of its sustainable development strategy.