Africa · Eastern Africa

Mauritius

Republic of Mauritius

Flag of Mauritius
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+04:00
🏛️ Capital
Port Louis
👥 Population
1,243,741
📐 Area
2,040 km²
💱 Currency
Mauritian rupee (₨)
🗣️ Languages
English, French, Mauritian Creole
📞 Calling Code
+230
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+04:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Eastern Africa

About Mauritius

Mauritius is the Indian Ocean's jewel — a volcanic island nation of extraordinary natural beauty, remarkable cultural diversity, and an atmosphere of genuine warmth that goes well beyond the polished hospitality of its world-class resort industry. Risen from the sea some 8 million years ago, this compact island has been shaped by the trade winds that brought successive waves of settlers — Dutch, French, British, African, Indian, Chinese, and Creole — creating a society and culture of unique complexity and richness. Charles Darwin once called it one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it is hard to argue with him.

You will find Mauritius rewarding at every level. The resort beaches of the north and east — Grand Baie, Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches — are undeniably spectacular: white sand, turquoise lagoons protected by one of the world's longest coral reef systems, and water temperatures so perfect they feel like stepping into a warm bath. But venture inland and the landscape shifts dramatically — the dramatic peaks of the Moka Range, the Black River Gorges National Park with its ebony forests and endemic wildlife, the cascading Chamarel Waterfall, and the mystical Coloured Earth of Chamarel where volcanic dunes shift through seven distinct hues.

Port Louis, the capital, is a fascinating city of contrasts where Chinatown streets, bustling bazaars, colonial buildings, and a gleaming waterfront development create an urban experience worth dedicating real time to. The weekly markets overflow with tropical fruit, spices, and street food that reflects the island's culinary heritage. Mauritius is genuinely one of the Indian Ocean's finest all-round destinations, where luxury and authenticity coexist with remarkable ease.

History & Background

Mauritius was uninhabited when Arab sailors first recorded its existence in the 10th century, and it remained so until the Dutch established the first permanent settlement in 1638, naming the island after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch brought the island's most famous resident — the dodo — to extinction through hunting and introduced species within decades, a cautionary ecological tale that Mauritius now acknowledges solemnly. French colonists took control in 1715, naming it Île de France, and began developing sugar plantations powered by enslaved labour brought from Africa and Madagascar, fundamentally shaping the island's demographics and landscape.

Britain captured Mauritius in 1810 and, following the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, brought hundreds of thousands of indentured labourers from India to maintain the sugar economy — a migration that transformed the island's cultural character permanently. Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968 and became a republic in 1992. In the decades since independence, Mauritius has transformed from a sugar monoculture into one of Africa's most prosperous and stable economies, built on financial services, tourism, and technology, with a democratic governance record that stands among the continent's best.

Culture & People

Mauritius has been described as a "rainbow nation" — its population of just over 1.2 million people is a vibrant blend of Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian communities, each preserving distinct traditions while contributing to an overarching Mauritian identity that celebrates plurality. Hinduism is practised by the largest segment of the population, and the island's Hindu temples, festivals, and traditions give Mauritius a spiritual character unlike any other Indian Ocean island. The spectacular Maha Shivaratree pilgrimage, when hundreds of thousands of devotees walk barefoot to the sacred crater lake of Grand Bassin, is one of the most moving religious spectacles in the Southern Hemisphere.

Creole culture — shaped by African, Malagasy, and European influences — finds expression in the seggae and sega music that fills the island's evenings, as musicians beat ravanne drums and dancers in colourful dresses tell stories of history and longing with their bodies. Mauritians are polyglots by necessity and pride, typically speaking Mauritian Creole at home, French in formal settings, and English in government and business, with many also fluent in Bhojpuri and Mandarin. This linguistic richness reflects a society that has always found unity in celebrating rather than suppressing difference.

Food & Cuisine

Mauritian cuisine is one of the world's most fascinating culinary fusions, bringing together Indian, Chinese, Creole, and French traditions into a distinctive island kitchen that is greater than the sum of its parts. Dholl puri — a thin flatbread made from ground yellow split peas — folded around curried vegetables, bean stew, and chutney, is the quintessential Mauritian street food, sold from roadside vendors across the island and consumed by people of every community. Mine bouilli (boiled noodles in broth with vegetables and meat), biryani, rougaille (Creole tomato-based sauce with meat or fish), and vindaye (a tangy spiced fish preparation) all feature prominently on family tables.

Seafood is exceptional — freshly caught red snapper, octopus, and prawns are prepared with delicacy and creativity across restaurant kitchens from humble beach shacks to luxury resort dining rooms. Street food culture is vibrant and safe to enjoy: gato pima (chilli fritters), samosas, and fresh sugar cane juice make for ideal snacking while exploring the markets. The island produces its own rum from home-grown sugar cane, and the pink Chamarel rhum agricole has earned international recognition. A rum distillery tour in the Chamarel highlands, ending with a sunset tasting, is one of Mauritius's most pleasurable experiences.

Top Attractions

  • Black River Gorges National Park — Wild interior highland park protecting endemic Mauritian wildlife, ebony forests, and dramatic waterfalls.
  • Chamarel Coloured Earth — Unique geological formation where volcanic dunes display seven distinct colours including red, brown, violet, and blue.
  • Blue Bay Marine Park — Protected lagoon with exceptional snorkelling over one of the Indian Ocean's most diverse and healthy coral reef systems.
  • Pamplemousses Botanical Garden — One of the Southern Hemisphere's oldest botanical gardens, famous for its giant Victoria amazonica water lilies.
  • Le Morne Brabant — UNESCO-listed volcanic peninsula and cultural landscape, historically significant as a refuge for escaped enslaved people.
  • Port Louis Waterfront and Central Market — The capital's vibrant harbour development and its bustling indoor market overflowing with tropical produce and spices.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book accommodation early for the peak December–January period when prices are highest and availability tightest.
  • Rent a car for at least a few days — public buses cover the island but having your own transport allows spontaneous inland exploration.
  • Explore beyond the beach: the Black River Gorges, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, and Chamarel highlands are essential inland experiences.
  • Bargain politely at the Port Louis central market for spices and crafts; fixed-price shops are common elsewhere.
  • Apply high-SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently — the equatorial sun is intensely strong even on overcast days.
  • Snorkel early in the morning for the clearest water and most active marine life on the reef.
  • Try dholl puri from a street vendor for an authentic taste of everyday Mauritian life far beyond resort dining.

Visa Overview

Mauritius offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 100 countries, including EU member states, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, and most African Union nations, for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport, confirmed accommodation, onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds are required on arrival. Some nationalities may be granted shorter initial stays at immigration discretion, extendable at the Passport and Immigration Office. Always check the current visa requirements with the Mauritius Embassy or High Commission in your country, as policies are subject to review.

Getting Around

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport near Mahébourg handles all international flights, with direct connections to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia via Air Mauritius and major international carriers. The island has no rail system. Buses are cheap, frequent, and cover most of the island, though timetables can be unpredictable. Car hire is widely available from the airport and major towns, and driving on the left makes it familiar for British, Australian, and Indian visitors. Taxis are metered in theory but negotiate fares in advance to avoid overcharging.

Safety Notes

Mauritius is one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean, with violent crime against tourists rare and political stability well-established. Petty theft can occasionally occur in crowded markets and on beaches, so keep valuables secured and avoid leaving items unattended. Ocean currents outside the lagoon can be very strong — always swim within designated safe areas and heed local warnings. The sun is extremely powerful; heat exhaustion is a genuine risk. Medical facilities in Port Louis are good, and comprehensive travel insurance is nonetheless recommended.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Mauritius.

Mauritian rupee (MUR) ₨
Updated: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.227108
AAVE 0.000237
ADA 0.084131
AED 0.077472
AFN 1.325729
AGIX 0.249663
AKT 0.026633
ALGO 0.179848
ALL 1.731985
AMD 7.760391
AMP 25.030065
ANG 0.038025
AOA 19.342308
APE 0.144100
APT 0.022036
AR 0.009456
ARB 0.186409
ARS 29.490838
ATOM 0.010479
ATS 0.249725
AUD 0.029483
AVAX 0.002253
AWG 0.037760
AXS 0.017320
AZM 179.309243
AZN 0.035862
BAKE 24.269013
BAM 0.035495
BAT 0.212119
BBD 0.042190
BCH 0.000057
BDT 2.593180
BEF 0.732097
BGN 0.035495
BHD 0.007932
BIF 62.815889
BMD 0.021095
BNB 0.000032
BND 0.026960
BOB 0.145754
BRL 0.105589
BSD 0.021095
BSV 0.001400
BSW 28.451156
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.065994
BTN 2.039467
BTT 65,436.066113
BUSD 0.021104
BWP 0.286155
BYN 0.057801
BYR 578.010882
BZD 0.042474
CAD 0.029007
CAKE 0.014381
CDF 48.413353
CELO 0.257731
CFX 0.355448
CHF 0.016608
CHZ 0.459268
CLP 18.959260
CNH 0.143465
CNY 0.143471
COMP 0.000923
COP 78.302696
CRC 9.539508
CRO 0.304425
CRV 0.087756
CSPR 7.107267
CUC 0.021095
CUP 0.506296
CVE 2.001204
CVX 0.012210
CYP 0.010622
CZK 0.440988
DAI 0.021108
DASH 0.000419
DCR 0.001208
DEM 0.035495
DFI 23.340454
DJF 3.760040
DKK 0.135619
DOGE 0.201668
DOP 1.242400
DOT 0.016845
DYDX 0.138044
DZD 2.799704
EEK 0.283959
EGLD 0.005317
EGP 1.127018
ENJ 0.466916
EOS 0.258824
ERN 0.316428
ESP 3.019609
ETB 3.405241
ETC 0.002324
ETH 0.000010
EUR 0.018148
EURC 0.018135
FEI 0.021223
FIL 0.021752
FIM 0.107904
FJD 0.046434
FKP 0.015693
FLOW 0.584003
FLR 2.524536
FRAX 0.021247
FRF 0.119044
FTT 0.064284
GALA 6.164270
GBP 0.015693
GEL 0.056292
GGP 0.015693
GHC 2,435.973392
GHS 0.243597
GIP 0.015693
GMD 1.552993
GMX 0.003154
GNF 185.063297
GNO 0.000176
GRD 6.184004
GRT 0.834945
GT 0.002979
GTQ 0.160844
GUSD 0.021140
GYD 4.412969
HBAR 0.235708
HKD 0.165239
HNL 0.561128
HNT 0.025409
HOT 52.234681
HRK 0.136738
HT 0.146298
HTG 2.762168
HUF 6.526832
ICP 0.008245
IDR 372.447752
IEP 0.014293
ILS 0.061286
IMP 0.015693
IMX 0.121933
INJ 0.004152
INR 2.039467
IQD 27.638181
IRR 27,882.177438
ISK 2.602483
ITL 35.139844
JEP 0.015693
JMD 3.338312
JOD 0.014957
JPY 3.351870
KAS 0.603470
KAVA 0.357449
KCS 0.002631
KDA 2.551081
KES 2.731811
KGS 1.845257
KHR 84.617827
KLAY 0.412494
KMF 8.928336
KNC 0.146771
KPW 18.986072
KRW 31.572606
KSM 0.004209
KWD 0.006516
KYD 0.017543
KZT 9.962653
LAK 462.862229
LBP 1,883.186035
LDO 0.058278
LEO 0.002098
LINK 0.002183
LKR 7.269224
LRC 1.251836
LRD 3.861520
LSL 0.347439
LTC 0.000388
LTL 0.062662
LUF 0.732097
LUNA 0.329524
LUNC 274.868625
LVL 0.012755
LYD 0.134289
MAD 0.194598
MANA 0.235860
MBX 0.539112
MDL 0.366698
MGA 88.583406
MGF 442.917031
MINA 0.367737
MKD 1.118713
MKR 0.000012
MMK 44.294395
MNT 75.484866
MOP 0.170196
MRO 8.432798
MRU 0.843280
MTL 0.007791
MVR 0.325823
MWK 36.580199
MXN 0.364929
MXV 0.041446
MYR 0.083736
MZM 1,347.299481
MZN 1.347299
NAD 0.347439
NEAR 0.012621
NEO 0.007245
NEXO 0.023872
NFT 74,668.276527
NGN 28.934975
NIO 0.776373
NLG 0.039993
NOK 0.195515
NPR 3.264677
NZD 0.035931
OKB 0.000260
OMR 0.008121
ONE 10.388229
OP 0.162209
ORDI 0.004922
PAB 0.021095
PAXG 0.000005
PEN 0.072112
PEPE 5,629.384946
PGK 0.091995
PHP 1.297099
PI 0.138918
PKR 5.878425
PLN 0.077087
POL 0.231823
PTE 3.638390
PYG 130.125477
QAR 0.076787
QNT 0.000286
QTUM 0.023420
ROL 950.634426
RON 0.095063
RPL 0.012061
RSD 2.131019
RUB 1.508330
RUNE 0.047776
RVN 3.826424
RWF 30.879087
SAND 0.290603
SAR 0.079107
SBD 0.169524
SCR 0.308469
SDD 1,266.129449
SDG 12.661294
SEK 0.197010
SGD 0.026960
SHIB 3,627.806991
SHP 0.015693
SIT 4.349038
SKK 0.546733
SLE 0.482024
SLL 482.023697
SNX 0.066418
SOL 0.000243
SOS 12.038622
SPL 0.003516
SRD 0.783382
SRG 783.381630
SSP 99.304954
STD 448.181664
STN 0.448182
STX 0.086517
SUI 0.019547
SVC 0.184583
SYP 2.332063
SZL 0.347439
THB 0.686852
THETA 0.104139
TJS 0.196093
TMM 370.101197
TMT 0.074020
TND 0.061304
TON 0.010223
TOP 0.050804
TRL 961,577.010905
TRX 0.058873
TRY 0.961577
TTD 0.143054
TUSD 0.021124
TVD 0.029483
TWD 0.666382
TWT 0.045539
TZS 55.129098
UAH 0.933903
UGX 79.574414
UNI 0.005839
USD 0.021095
USDC 0.021106
USDD 0.021107
USDP 0.021128
USDT 0.021120
UYU 0.850732
UZS 255.070916
VAL 35.139844
VEB 1,093,873,919.087732
VED 10.938354
VEF 1,093,835.359154
VES 10.938354
VET 3.159644
VND 556.245301
VUV 2.509424
WAVES 0.054275
WEMIX 0.075339
WOO 1.224184
WST 0.057122
XAF 11.904449
XAG 0.000278
XAU 0.000005
XAUT 0.000005
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.057114
XCG 0.038025
XCH 0.005832
XDC 0.602007
XDR 0.015440
XEC 2,899.940429
XEM 31.398762
XLM 0.146060
XMR 0.000052
XOF 11.904449
XPD 0.000015
XPF 2.165658
XPT 0.000011
XRP 0.015322
XTZ 0.061628
YER 5.033690
ZAR 0.347439
ZEC 0.000032
ZIL 5.304701
ZMK 400.643938
ZMW 0.400644
ZWD 7.634355
ZWG 0.553638
ZWL 1,383.389071

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Cities in Mauritius 110
Browse all cities and towns
Arsenal Baie du Cap Baie du Tombeau Baie Malgache Bambous Beau Bassin-Rose Hill Bel Air Bel Air Rivière Sèche Bel Ombre Benares Bois Cheri Bon Accueil Brisee Verdiere Britannia Calebasses Camp de Masque Camp de Masque Pave Camp Diable Camp Ithier Camp Thorel Central Flacq Centre de Flacq Chamouny Chemin Grenier Clemencia Congomah Coromandel-Graviers Creve Coeur Curepipe D'Epinay Dagotiere Dubreuil Ecroignard Esperance Floreal Fond du Sac Goodlands Grand Baie Grand Baie VCA, East Grand Baie VCA, West Grand Baie-Montagne Goyaves Grand Bois Grand River South East L'Avenir L’Avenir VCA L’Escalier VCA, East L’Escalier VCA, West La Ferme La Laura-Malenga La Tour Koenig Lalmatie Lataniers-Mont Lubin Laventure Le Hochet Long Mountain Mahébourg Mangues-Quatre Vents Mare d’Albert VCA Mare La Chaux Medine-Camp de Masque Melrose Moka Montagne Blanche Morcellement Saint Andre Notre Dame Olivia Oyster Bay Pailles Pamplemousse Petit Gabriel Petit Raffray VCA Piments-Baie Topaze Plaine Corail-La Fouche Corail Plaines des Papayes Pointe aux Piments Port Louis Port Mathurin Port Sud-Est Poste de Flacq Providence Quartier Militaire Quatre Bornes Quatre Cocos Quatre Soeurs Quatre Soeurs VCA Queen Victoria Richelieu VCA, East Ripailles Riviere Cocos Riviere des Anguilles Rivière du Rempart Roche Bon Dieu-Trefles Rose Belle Saint Aubin Saint Julien Saint Julien d'Hotman Saint Pierre Sebastopol Souillac St. Julien d’Hotman VCA, East St. Julien VCA, East St. Julien VCA, West Surinam Terre Rouge Triolet Trou d'Eau Douce Trou d’Eau Douce VCA Vacoas-Phoenix Verdun Villebague

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Mauritius needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Mauritius?
The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.
What currency does Mauritius use?
Mauritius uses the Mauritian rupee (₨) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Mauritius?
The official language(s) of Mauritius include English, French, Mauritian Creole.
What is the population of Mauritius?
Mauritius has a population of approximately 1,243,741 people.
What region is Mauritius in?
Mauritius is located in Africa, specifically in the Eastern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Mauritius?
The international dialing code for Mauritius is +230.
What time zones does Mauritius observe?
Mauritius observes the following time zone(s): UTC+04:00.
What is the current time in Mauritius?
The local time in Mauritius is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Mauritius?
Mauritius covers a total area of 2,040 km².
How many states or provinces does Mauritius have?
Mauritius is divided into 13 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Mauritius in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Mauritius in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Mauritius?
Visa requirements for citizens of Mauritius vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.