Mauritius: A Tropical Indian Ocean Jewel Sparkling with Diversity
Filed under: Destinations, Noteworthy
Popular among visitors from Europe, Africa, Australia, and elsewhere, Mauritius is still relatively unknown to American travelers. This idyllic tropical island located east of Madagascar has a fascinating history, a remarkably diverse culture and population, and scenic beauty well worth the trip across the world to visit. Mauritius is famous as the home of the extinct Dodo bird, and today is perhaps most famous for its world-class beach resorts. This small volcanic island of about 720 sq miles is home to 1.2 million people of almost startling cultural diversity. On Mauritius, one can see French Catholic churches, Islamic mosques, and Hindu and Tamil temples in close proximity.
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1507, settled by the Dutch in the 1600s, Mauritius was ruled by the French from 1721 until 1810, when it was captured by the British after a fierce battle. Mauritius won independence from Britain in 1968 but remains a member of the Commonwealth. The official language is English, and French is generally understood but most locals speak Creole which is based on French with elements of English, Hindi, Chinese, and Malagasy. This veritable melting pot of cultural heritage is reflected both in colorful displays of diverse clothing, architecture, and in a fabulous range of culinary styles. Mauritian cuisine is based on French, Indian, Creole, and Chinese traditions, all of which have been adapted to take advantage of locally available delicacies
Submit a comment