12 things you didn’t know about Mauritius
Mauritius is one of many islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and is the home to some of the world’s most incredible treasures; plants and places, and it boasts a rich history and diverse culture from all over the world.
If you’ve ever thought of visiting Mauritius but don’t know where to start, look no further. Stick around and I will show you the best.
1 — Mauritius was formed about 8 million years ago by volcanic eruptions from the deep sea bed which created a mountain, the top of which became the island of Mauritius.
2 — The first people to settle in Mauritius were the Dutch in 1638, using it as a refreshing station for passing ships. The Dutch left in 1710.
3 — The French took formal possession of the island in 1715 and their period came to an end in 1810 when the British conquered the Island. Under colonial rule, agriculture, mainly sugar cane cultivation over the land. British colonial era ended in 1968 with our independence and then Mauritius became a Republic in 1992.
4 — The estimated population of Mauritius is 1,27 million which is 0,02% of the world population over an area of 784 sq.miles!
5 — Mauritius is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites; Le Morne Cultural Landscape
And Aapravasi Ghat – original immigration depot in Port Louis
6 — The people of Mauritius are descendants of European (mostly French) settlers, the Franco-Mauritians; African slaves and creoles, the Afro-Mauritians; Chinese traders, the Sino-Mauritians; and Indian laborers, the Indo-Mauritians. Such cultural diversity and geographic isolation have led to a nationalized sense of pride.
7 — Mauritius has three languages in common use, Mauritian creole, French and English. Creole is based on a mix of African and Asian languages with a French influence.
8 — Slightly over half the population is Hindu, with Roman Catholics making up another quarter. There are also other Christian sects, while other religions includes Islam (15%) and a very small number of Buddhists.
9 — The biggest influence on the Mauritian cuisine were the Chinese with their rice and noodles being introduced as the staple of the local diet. However, the basis of local food was laid down by the French and it was heavily modified by the large Indian community and the local ingredients. You can see the fusion in dishes such as fish vindaye, whose roots could be a French bouillabaisse or an Indian vindaloo but it is delicious either way.
Other delicious dishes are Dholl Puri & Roti, Gateau Piment, Rougaille (rougail saucisse), Bol Renverse.
10 — Sega Dance - the African heritage of Mauritius is apparent in this national dance, which combines drums, songs, colourful costumes and hip-swaying dance.
11 — Many visitors often haven’t heard of the breadfruit, a fruit that’s very popular in Mauritius. It can be bought from the local market and when ripe eaten like a normal fruit or baked in slices with butter, salt and pepper. Or slices may be steamed, then rolled in flour and deep fried.
12 — The capital of Mauritus is Port Louis, located in the Northwest coast and is the administrative and business capital of Mauritius. At the historical centre of the city is the Place d’Armes surrounded by Bottle Palm trees and several statues, and is the main square connecting the seafront to the Government House.