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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.199549
AAVE 0.000116
ADA 0.078289
AED 0.077475
AFN 1.363042
AKT 0.027567
ALGO 0.164264
ALL 1.730387
AMD 7.632060
AMP 32.899983
ANG 0.037935
AOA 19.324254
APE 0.131673
APT 0.025695
AR 0.004680
ARB 0.103481
ARS 32.064349
ATOM 0.011587
ATS 0.258842
AUD 0.030272
AVAX 0.001858
AWG 0.037762
AXS 0.016108
AZM 179.318923
AZN 0.035864
BAKE 82.190249
BAM 0.036791
BAT 0.199995
BBD 0.042192
BCH 0.000067
BDT 2.593338
BEF 0.758826
BGN 0.036791
BHD 0.007932
BIF 63.381447
BMD 0.021096
BNB 0.000027
BND 0.026992
BOB 0.253066
BRL 0.105453
BSD 0.021096
BSV 0.001056
BSW 51.266478
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.301934
BTG 0.031977
BTN 2.034041
BTT 56,745.119758
BUSD 0.021092
BWP 0.290350
BYN 0.064358
BYR 413.539892
BZD 0.042426
CAD 0.030101
CAKE 0.008626
CDF 48.752895
CELO 0.202849
CFX 0.384466
CHF 0.017547
CHZ 1.261152
CLP 20.527076
CNH 0.141407
CNY 0.141453
COMP 0.000861
COP 67.478669
CRC 9.653278
CRO 0.310658
CRV 0.057226
CSPR 8.270350
CUC 0.021099
CUP 0.505331
CVE 2.074266
CVX 0.009530
CYP 0.011009
CZK 0.460187
DAI 0.021105
DASH 0.000372
DCR 0.001144
DEM 0.036791
DFI 23.082279
DJF 3.753009
DKK 0.140593
DOGE 0.222490
DOP 1.264310
DOT 0.017050
DYDX 0.144387
DZD 2.835868
EEK 0.294326
EGLD 0.004720
EGP 1.106026
ENJ 0.637250
EOS 0.207593
ERN 0.316441
ESP 3.129853
ETB 3.431525
ETC 0.002377
ETH 0.000008
EUR 0.018811
EURC 0.018808
FEI 0.021105
FIL 0.017673
FIM 0.111844
FJD 0.047468
FKP 0.015965
FLOW 0.666762
FLR 2.926713
FRAX 0.021310
FRF 0.123391
FTT 0.081666
GALA 8.707176
GBP 0.015965
GEL 0.054755
GGP 0.015965
GHC 2,480.190625
GHS 0.248019
GIP 0.015965
GMD 1.561341
GMX 0.002403
GNF 185.480070
GNO 0.000174
GRD 6.409778
GRT 0.724520
GT 0.001884
GTQ 0.160993
GUSD 0.021140
GYD 4.403790
HBAR 0.209561
HKD 0.165550
HNL 0.565666
HNT 0.040656
HOT 46.065309
HRK 0.141730
HT 0.578391
HTG 2.756663
HUF 6.910203
ICP 0.006050
IDR 377.940891
IEP 0.014815
ILS 0.064515
IMP 0.015965
IMX 0.115052
INJ 0.002783
INR 2.034041
IQD 27.579684
IRR 37,941.810341
ISK 2.575787
ITL 36.422776
JEP 0.015965
JMD 3.338356
JOD 0.014957
JPY 3.335527
KAS 0.491738
KAVA 0.304305
KCS 0.002779
KDA 2.160779
KES 2.738456
KGS 1.845033
KHR 85.462310
KLAY 0.506528
KMF 9.254304
KNC 0.147281
KPW 18.989083
KRW 28.320695
KSM 0.004118
KWD 0.006521
KYD 0.017537
KZT 9.604588
LAK 473.368688
LBP 1,902.497310
LDO 0.046053
LEO 0.002372
LINK 0.001525
LKR 6.958161
LRC 2.054781
LRD 3.600019
LSL 0.351226
LTC 0.000303
LTL 0.064950
LUF 0.758826
LUNA 0.413114
LUNC 398.973821
LVL 0.013220
LYD 0.135355
MAD 0.210553
MANA 0.204001
MBX 0.713290
MDL 0.378086
MGA 93.422677
MGF 467.113384
MINA 0.156581
MKD 1.157363
MKR 0.000010
MMK 44.284303
MNT 75.844022
MOP 0.170517
MRO 8.446218
MRU 0.844622
MTL 0.008075
MVR 0.326138
MWK 36.513674
MXN 0.381316
MXV 0.043348
MYR 0.086191
MZM 1,346.545298
MZN 1.346545
NAD 0.351226
NEAR 0.004037
NEO 0.008324
NEXO 0.024808
NFT 88,406.473264
NGN 27.889928
NIO 0.775558
NLG 0.041454
NOK 0.202477
NPR 3.255990
NZD 0.037690
OKB 0.000162
OMR 0.008119
ONE 0.144036
OP 0.156932
ORDI 0.004637
PAB 0.021096
PAXG 0.000005
PEN 0.072636
PEPE 4,877.888515
PGK 0.095044
PHP 1.325810
PI 0.241671
PKR 5.833065
PLN 0.082403
POL 0.192913
PTE 3.771226
PYG 123.242926
QAR 0.076790
QNT 0.000082
QTUM 0.021521
ROL 1,005.502580
RON 0.100550
RPL 0.011032
RSD 2.209411
RUB 1.789786
RUNE 0.027172
RVN 8.598275
RWF 31.094970
SAND 0.320811
SAR 0.079110
SBD 0.170218
SCR 0.298799
SDD 1,266.144391
SDG 12.661444
SEK 0.211903
SGD 0.026992
SHIB 3,603.850912
SHP 0.015965
SIT 4.507819
SKK 0.566694
SLE 0.486367
SLL 486.367229
SNX 0.084258
SOL 0.000176
SOS 12.002652
SPL 0.003516
SRD 0.795444
SRG 795.444008
SSP 120.809424
STD 464.130445
STN 0.464130
STX 0.056296
SUI 0.017676
SVC 0.184590
SYP 274.328866
SZL 0.351226
THB 0.710086
THETA 0.091105
TJS 0.194160
TMM 370.170141
TMT 0.074034
TND 0.063137
TOP 0.050809
TRL 1,037,410.985570
TRX 0.062779
TRY 1.037411
TTD 0.142836
TUSD 0.021113
TVD 0.030272
TWD 0.670472
TWT 0.036954
TZS 55.659565
UAH 0.950151
UGX 84.809214
UNI 0.002381
USD 0.021096
USDC 0.021102
USDD 0.021111
USDP 0.021221
USDT 0.021107
UYU 0.852198
UZS 248.155112
VAL 36.422776
VEB 1,836,885,310.562754
VED 18.368853
VEF 1,836,885.310563
VES 18.368853
VET 2.417443
VND 548.399711
VUV 2.536000
WAVES 0.070713
WEMIX 0.110159
WOO 1.541167
WST 0.058714
XAF 12.339072
XAG 0.000349
XAU 0.000005
XAUT 0.000005
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.057105
XCG 0.037935
XCH 0.013480
XDC 0.627765
XDR 0.015593
XEC 2,645.468514
XEM 33.601600
XLM 0.097749
XMR 0.000038
XOF 12.339072
XPD 0.000018
XPF 2.244725
XPT 0.000012
XRP 0.014041
XTZ 0.063141
YER 4.982840
ZAR 0.351226
ZEC 0.000016
ZIL 5.781187
ZMK 417.076407
ZMW 0.417076
ZWD 7.634662
ZWG 0.564774
ZWL 1,411.213555

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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.