Geography
Land Area
The entire island nation of Mauritius covers a total area of 2,040 square kilometres, with a coastline of about 177 kilometres. The island nation consists of several islands in the Indian Ocean. In addition to the main island, it includes the island of Rodrigues, which covers 109 square kilometres, and several other much smaller islands. Rodrigues, however, lies 580 kilometres from the main island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Other smaller islands include Gunner's Coin, which is eight kilometres away, and Round Island, which is about 22 kilometres from the main island of Mauritius. The main island accounts for the largest share of the country’s land area. The capital, Port Louis, is also located on the main island.
Volcanic Origin
The island of Mauritius is of volcanic origin, with a rocky and steep coastline. In the centre of the island, elevations of around 300 to 600 metres are reached. The three mountain ranges in the centre include the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, which reaches a height of 828 metres. The summit of this mountain is also the highest point on the island of Mauritius. This mountain belongs to the Black River mountain range. In addition, Mauritius has two other mountain ranges, Grand Port-Savanne and Moka-Port Louis, which rise bizarrely into the sky. The peaks of Le Pouce and Pieter Both reach heights of 811 and 820 metres respectively and are among the most famous mountains on the island.
Unique Flora and Fauna
Mauritius, together with the island of Rodrigues and Réunion, forms the Mascarene Islands. These are a group of volcanic islands that formed from the break-up of the ancient continent of Gondwana. The volcanoes on the islands are no longer active. Since the islands were never connected to the African mainland, Mauritius developed a unique flora and fauna. However, many endemic species are now threatened with extinction due to the introduction of other animal species. Among the endemic, still extant animal species on the Mascarene Islands are the Mascarene grey parakeet and the pink pigeon.
