Welcome to Mauritius

History of Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius comprises a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean, East of the African continent and Madagascar. The main island, Mauritius, is home to the capital city, Port Louis; other islands include Rodrigues, Ageléga, and St. Brandon. In October 2024, the UK ceded sovereignty of the archipelago of Chagos to the Republic of Mauritius.

The islands are said to have been uninhabited until colonized by the Dutch in 1598, then the French in 1715, and finally the British in 1814. The colonizers enslaved African and Malagasy people, and when slavery was abolished in 1835, the British brought people from India as indentured laborers. Chinese and Arab traders also influenced the islands. After gaining independence in 1968, the Republic of Mauritius was formed in 1992 and has been home to a culturally diverse population.

The Underwater Waterfall

This wonder of nature can be found off the SW coast of the main island of Mauritius, near the Le Morne Peninsula. After being formed by volcanic activity 8 million years ago, the Mascarene Islands (including several islands of the Republic of Mauritius and neighboring French island Reunion) sit on an ocean shelf. As sand falls from this shelf into the depths of the ocean, it creates a waterfall effect visible from above. There are helicopter and seaplane tours for the best views, and it can be partially seen after hiking to the top of Le Morne Brabant.

For a more scientific explanation of this phenomenon, click here.

For general information, click here.