The island nation of Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is located as part of the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. With a total area of 2,040 square kilometres, the country is home to around 1.25 million inhabitants, of whom approximately 150,000 live in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.
The population of Mauritius is composed of various ethnic groups, including Indians, Creoles and a small minority of Europeans, Chinese and other groups. Due to this diversity, several languages are spoken in the country. Mauritian Creole is the most widely spoken national language, while English is the official language. In some regions, Bhojpuri, Hindi, French, Chinese, Urdu and Tamil are also spoken. Around half of the population of Mauritius practises Hinduism. There are also many Christians and Muslims, as well as a few residents who follow Buddhism.
Highlights of Mauritius
Port Louis is not only the capital of Mauritius but also the largest city and serves as the economic and cultural centre. The city boasts numerous restaurants, cafés and shops. The 'Le Caudan Waterfront' at the harbour is a major shopping and leisure destination in the city. In addition, the city is home to many cultural and historical sights, such as the 'Fort Adelaide' citadel or the Minakshi Temple, which dates back to 1854. Another well-known attraction is the 'Champs de Mars', which is the oldest horse-racing track in the southern hemisphere.
Beyond the city, the islands of Mauritius offer many opportunities to explore the diverse nature. For example, you can take hikes through the Black River Gorges National Park. 'Plaine Champagne' is the highest point on the Central Plateau and offers excellent opportunities to observe many native bird species. In addition, the Casela Nature Park is home to more than 140 bird species.
Mauritius is also famous for its many beaches along the Indian Ocean, which invite visitors to swim, surf and waterski. Popular beaches on the islands include Tamarin, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Grand Baie.
Location and Climate of Mauritius
Mauritius, as an island nation, lies about 1,800 kilometres off the coast of the African mainland. The country consists of two main islands and several smaller ones. The main island of Mauritius covers 1,865 square kilometres, while Rodrigues, the second-largest island, spans 105 square kilometres.
Mauritius has a maritime tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from November to March. During these months, heavy rainfall, mainly at night, is to be expected. The dry and warm winter lasts from May to November.
Arrival and Entry
The international airport of Mauritius is located about 48 kilometres from the capital. The airport can be reached directly from several European cities, such as Düsseldorf or Frankfurt.
For entry, German travellers require a passport that is still valid for at least six months upon arrival. In addition, all arrivals receive a residence permit at the border upon presentation of their return flight ticket, hotel reservation confirmation and proof of sufficient financial means. A stay can also be extended for up to six months if the necessary financial means can be demonstrated.
