A Cultural Overview
Mauritius is a multicultural island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its diversity of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Its people are descendants of Indian, African, European, and Chinese immigrants, making it a melting pot of cultures.
Ethnicity and Language: The population includes Indo-Mauritians, Creoles, Sino-Mauritians, and Franco-Mauritians. English and French are official languages, with Creole widely spoken, and various ethnic groups maintaining their ancestral languages.
Culture and Heritage: Mauritian culture is a vibrant blend of its diverse influences, with music, dance, and cuisine reflecting this mix. The island is famous for its Sega dance, which originated from African slaves, and its diverse culinary traditions that combine Creole, Chinese, Indian, and European flavors.
Social Fabric: The social fabric of Mauritius is characterized by peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among its diverse ethnic and religious groups. Community and family are highly valued, with festivals and celebrations being important cultural and social events.
Where Mauritius is on the Map of
Africa
Mauritius at a Glance
Independence: 12 March 1968
Population: 1,265,475
Capital: Port Louis
Languages: French, English
Area: 2040 square km
Ethnic groups: 67% Indo-Mauritians, 28% Mauritian Creoles, 3% Sino-Mauritians, 2% Franco-Mauritians
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent, east of Madagascar.