Mauritius lies some 1250 miles off the southeastern coast of Africa, due east of the island of Madagascar. With a landmass of over 1165 square miles and over 200 miles of coastline, the island is sheltered by coral reefs, which form natural, crystal clear lagoons, helping to make Mauritius the dream' destination that it has become. Inland from the coastal regions Mauritius is resplendent with stunning scenery including a vast central plateau with sugar cane plantations, subtropical forests, rivers, streams and stunning waterfalls. The tableland is bordered by mountain ranges whose dramatic shapes give testament to the islands volcanic origins. Mauritius was known to the Arabs as long ago as the 10th century but was officially discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Successively occupied by the Dutch and the French, Mauritius was ceded to Britain in the early 19th century, gaining full independence in 1968. The country is now a democratic state based on the Westminster model.

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures with Indian, African, European and Chinese settlers all having brought their religions, languages, values and traditions to the island. This ethnic mix is reflected in the islands diverse cuisine ranging from spicy to subtle, dependent upon its origins and influences. The current population is around 1.2 million people. Most of the population are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French predominate, however, and several oriental languages are also commonly spoken and heard.

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