Fast Facts

GEOGRAPHY

		Capital: Port Louis/and also largest city Location: in Indian Ocean, off the coast of the African continent in the southwest & about 800km East of Madagascar; With Réunion 200 km (120 mi) to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues 570 km (350 mi) to the northeast. Coordinates: 20°17′S 57°33′E / 20.283°S 57.55°E / -20.283; 57.55°E Area: 2040 km sq Coastline: 330kms Archipelago: Mascarene Islands Dependencies: Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Highest point: Piton De La Riviere Noire (828 meters/ 2,720) Time: +4 hours Greenwich Mean Time, +3 hours mid-European time. The main island of Mauritius is of volcanic origin and almost surrounded by coral reefs except part of the Southern area. From the northern plains, the land rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets area scattered around the main island.

DEMOGRAPHICS

		Population: 1,264,866 (as of 2007) Density: 616 /km² (1,600 /sq mi) Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Languages: Official: English National: Mauritian Creole Climate: Summer: November to April; temperature ranging between 23ºc to 33ºc Winter: between May to October, temperature ranging between 17ºc to 23ºc. Rains: Wettest months being December to March, with occasional cyclones Annual rainfalls: 900 mm on the coast 1500 mm on the central plateau Sea temperature: 22ºc to 27ºc.

POLITICALLY

		Mauritius Flag Mauritius Coat of Arms Motto "Stella Clavisque Maris Indici" (Latin) "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean" The island is divided into eight administrative divisions called districts and one municipality where the capital, Port Louis, is located.

GOVERNMENT

		Mauritius is a Democratic state based on the Westminster model. 62 Members of Parliament elected every 5 years. The President is the head of the state but constitutional power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet The present government: President: The Rt Hon. Anerood Jugnauth Prime Minister: The Hon. Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam Minister of Tourism: Hon. Xavier Luc Duval

ECONOMY

		The economy is mainly dependent on sugarcane plantations, tourism, textiles, and services, but other sectors such as telecommunications and finance sectors are rapidly developing as well.

Telecommunications DIALING Code: + 230 International calling cards: in different unit are being sold at most of the retail shops all over the island. Post offices: operate in most of the towns and villages. Internet services: easily accessible at cybercafés and with GSM networks. Most hotels provide postal and internet services. Currency The monetary unit is: The Mauritian Rupee (Rs) available in coins and notes Coins of: 5c, 20c, 50 c , Rs 1 , Rs 5 & Rs 10, Rs.20 Notes of : Rs 25 , Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500, Rs 1000, Rs 2000, Foreign exchange counters are available at both arrival and departure lounge at the airport. There are no government restrictions on Foreign exchange imports Banking Hours Monday to Thursday: 09 15 - 15.15 Friday 09 15 - 17 00 Banks remain closed on Saturdays (besides the exception), Sundays and on Public holidays. Banks operate at the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport Credit cards: Most of the major Credit Cards are accepted in most of the restaurants, hotels, and shops. Working Hours: Private Sector: Monday to Friday: 08 30 - 16.15 Saturday: 09 00 - 12.00 (some offices) Public Sector: Monday to Friday: 09 00 - 16 00 Saturday: 09 00 - 12.00(Reduced Staff) Shopping hours in the main cities: from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday – Saturday). Sundays and public holidays: Some shops remains open until noon. Timing differs, but most of the hypermarkets and small shops the villages remain open till late hours Please note that shops open only half-days on Thursdays in Rose-hill , Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes. Electricity: 220/240 Volts. The most commonly used electrical plug is the UK 3-pin Travel Requirement

Visa requirements: the Indian passport and most commonwealth member nations requires no prior entry Visas; but still it is imperative to cross check the visa requirements prior traveling; kindly contact us with your passport details for further clarification. Criteria for obtaining Visa on arrival A valid passport, where expiry date is at least six months beyond the date of stay; A valid return or onward ticket to country of origin or residence; A confirmed booking for accommodation i.e. (hotel, or if sponsored by a Mauritian citizen, to produce evidence of sponsorship, stating name, address, profession, relationship, National Identity Card and telephone number). Sufficient funds to meet the costs of stay i.e. (100 US Dollars per night) Pledge not to engage in any profit-making activities.

Medical Services State of art public hospitals and private hospitals with premium medical facilities and services are available all over the island International License In Mauritius, driving is on the left side of the road with priority to traffic from the right. During their stay, Visitors can drive in Mauritius with a driving license issued by recognized authority in their respective countries. Tipping Tipping is common but not compulsory. Nudism Nudism is considered inappropriate and not allowed.

Customs Formalities

Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1L of spirits, 2 Ls of wine, ale or beer, 250ml of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml. Importing of plant without import permit is not allowed; Plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds. It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil microorganisms and invertebrate animals. All imported animals and all other agricultural products require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health clearance certificate from the country of origin

IMPORT OF DRUGS AND AMMUNITIONS

Carrying even a minimum of Drug quantity is considered trafficking, which is illegal as well as prohibited, leading to heavy penalties including death sentence. Firearms and ammunitions require prior import permits and ought to be declared upon arrival