9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne.
Population:
1,189,825 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Mauritian rupee (MUR)
Languages:
English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori
Elevation:
highest point: Mont Piton 828 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards
Climate:
tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)
Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 9,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion. Economic performance since 1991 has continued strong with solid growth and low unemployment.
Industry:
food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing; chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery; tourism
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. The countries and areas included in the endemic zones (see map) are considered as infected areas.
Malaria:
Malaria risk—exclusively due to P. vivax—exists in certain rural areas. There is no risk on Rodrigues Island.
