Mauritius
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Mauritius is an island country located off the coast of Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Port Louis. The government is a Unitary parliamentary republic. The official languages of the country are English and French. The common language is Mauritian Creole. The predominant religion is Hinduism. Mauritius has two categories, public and private sectors. There are many public hospitals but the quality of care is better at the private facilities.
Safety:
Mauritius is generally a safe country for locals, with low levels of crime and violence. However, like any other destination, there are certain safety concerns that you should be aware of. There is the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing or theft. This is more likely to occur in tourist areas or crowded public spaces, and visitors should take the usual precautions such as keeping valuables secure and not carrying large amounts of cash. Another safety concern in Mauritius is the risk of water-related accidents, such as drowning or being swept out to sea. Visitors should take care when swimming in the ocean, and should only swim in designated areas with lifeguards present. Mauritius has a relatively good road infrastructure with a network of paved roads that connect the major towns and cities. However, road conditions can vary and some roads may be poorly maintained or have limited lighting, particularly in rural areas. In terms of road safety, Mauritius has a relatively high number of road accidents compared to other countries in the region. This is partly due to the fact that driving can be quite chaotic and there are a large number of motorbikes on the roads. Pedestrians and cyclists also need to be cautious, as many roads do not have dedicated paths or sidewalks. To ensure your safety when driving in Mauritius, it is important to follow the local traffic laws and regulations, including wearing a seatbelt, not exceeding the speed limit, and avoiding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is also recommended to be cautious when driving at night, as some roads may not be well lit.
Cultural Customs:
Mauritius is a culturally diverse island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It has a rich and varied history, with influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mauritius is home to people of different religions including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Religious festivals are an important part of Mauritian culture, and they are celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor. Mauritius is known for its delicious cuisine that reflects the diverse influences of the island. Creole cuisine, which is a blend of African, Indian, Chinese, and French culinary traditions, is particularly popular. The Sega is a traditional Mauritian dance and music style that originated from the African slaves brought to the island. It is performed with rhythmic hip-swaying movements and is often accompanied by the ravanne, a drum-like instrument made of goat skin. Traditional Mauritian clothing varies depending on ethnicity and religion. The Sari and Kurta are popular among Indian women and men respectively, while the boubou is a flowing garment worn by both men and women of African origin. Hospitality is an important part of Mauritian culture, and visitors are often welcomed with warmth and generosity. Sharing meals and offering tea or snacks to guests are common customs. Mauritius is a multilingual nation with English, French, and Creole being the most commonly spoken languages. Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil are also spoken by the Indian community. Mauritius celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year. Some of the major festivals include Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Christmas.
Geography & Weather:
The climate on the island of Mauritius is tropical.
In the Capital city of Port Louis, the average temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 70 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 80 degrees F. The rainy season is January - May but showers can occur outside of the rainy season. The east coast of the island gets more rain than the west coast. Also, the higher elevations also see more rain. The sun shines 8 hours daily but a little longer in the summer. The sea temperature averages 78 degrees all year.
Economy:
The economy of Mauritius is considered to be one of the most developed in Africa. The country's economy is mainly driven by tourism, textiles, and sugar production, but it has diversified into other sectors, such as financial services, ICT, and seafood processing. The government of Mauritius has implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and attracting foreign investment. These include the establishment of export processing zones, the introduction of a free-market economy, and the development of a well-educated and skilled workforce. Mauritius has a relatively stable and well-developed financial sector, which includes a strong banking system and a stock exchange. The country has also signed various trade agreements with other countries, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, to promote trade and investment. Despite its economic progress, Mauritius still faces challenges such as income inequality, a high level of public debt, and a reliance on a few key industries. The government has introduced various measures to address these challenges, such as increasing social welfare programs and promoting diversification in the economy. Overall, the economy of Mauritius has shown resilience and growth, despite the challenges it faces, and the country remains an attractive destination for investors and tourists alike.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
MUR 1.00 = USD .021
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
1,271,768
Median Age:
37.5
Life Expectancy:
75.51
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No
Passport stamp will allow entry into the country for 60 days.
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Not for naturalized persons
Naturalization - Mauritian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Mauritius for at least six consecutive years, is of good character, no physical or mental disabilities, have no criminal convictions, and understands citizen responsibilities. The person must also prove competency in English.
Citizenship by investment is available for individuals that are looking to invest 500k USD or more after 2 years of residency.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency permit is available for people looking to relocate into Mauritius as expats. You must have your 90 day tourist visa and apply at the Passport and Immigration office. This permit is good for 3 years.
Resources:
Mauritius Residence Permit Info
Expats in Mauritius Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Port Louis
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +(230) 202-4400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(230) 202-4400,
press one (1) after the automated greeting
Fax: +(230) 208-9534
Email: PTLConsular@state.gov