Discover Mauritius
Geography
Mauritius is an island of approximately 1865 km2, completely surrounded by coral reefs with a wide and green Central Plateau and impressive mountain ranges. It is situated in the south western part of the Indian Ocean.
Population
The Mauritian population (including Rodrigues island) is estimated at 1,200,000 inhabitants. It includes different ethnics, namely Indian, people of European, Malagasy and African origin, Muslims and Chinese.
Climate
It is pleasant all year round and the heat is never uncomfortable. The seasons are as follows: Summer from October to May with the temperature up to 33oc in December and January. The winter season is from June to September and the temperature can go down to 13oc in August, on the Central Plateau.
Currency
The local monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee. There is no exchange control system and therefore no restrictions regarding foreign currency, bank drafts, traveller’s cheques etc.
Banks
Banks are opened from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15.00. Money changers and ATM’s can be found all over the island. At the airport, in the arrival and departure halls, banks are also available whenever flights are scheduled.
Languages
English is the official language, but the most understood and spoken language after Creole (Mauritian dialect) is French. Amongst the other languages of Mauritius, Hindi is quite popular.
Medical Service
There is a qualified nurse in most hotels. Hospitals, clinics, private medical surgeries and chemists are available throughout the island.