Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent. The country includes the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues (560 kilometres east of the principal island), the islands of Agalega and the archipelago Saint Brandon. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago situated 1,287 kilometres to the north east; the United Kingdom excised the archipelago from Mauritian territory prior to Mauritius' independence and gradually depopulated it.

Did you know that:
1. Mauritius is the most densely populated country in Africa and the 17th most densely populated country in the world.
2. The legendary dodo bird was found only in Mauritius before it became extinct. Despite its extinction, the dodo remains Mauritius’ national animal.
3. Mauritius is an island created by underwater volcanic eruptions. The first people to set foot on it were the Portuguese.
4. Mark Twain has been quoted as saying, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
5. While many countries consider it polite to receive gifts with both hands, Mauritians prefer to receive things with the right hand only.