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About Mauritius
 
ECSAFA IFAC
 
   
 
Mauritius is situated in the south west Indian Ocean, slightly over the tropic of Capricorn, in latitude 20° south and longitude 57° east of Greenwich. It is 2,000 km off the east coast of Africa and some 855 km east of Madagascar.

An island of volcanic origin with an area of 1,864 km2, it is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. The land rises from coastal plains to a central plateau where it reaches a height of 670 meters. The plateau is bordered by three mountain ranges, the highest peak, the Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, rising to 828 m.
  
     
  THE TERRITORY  
 
The Republic of Mauritius is constituted of the main island of Mauritius and several outlying islands. The population of Mauritius is around 1.2M. The second largest island is Rodrigues with an area of 108 km2 and situated 560 km to the east of Mauritius. Rodrigues has a population of about 35,500 and its economy is based mainly on fishing, cattle rearing and a developing tourism sector.

The twin islands of Agalega have a total land area of 2,600 hectares situated some 1,000 km to the north of Mauritius. Agalega has a population of about 300 inhabitants and its economy is based primarily on coconut exploitation.

St. Brandon is an archipelago comprising a number of sand-banks, shoals and islets. It is situated some 430 km to the north-east of Mauritius and is mostly used as a fishing base.
  
     
  GENERAL INFORMATION - PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND ETIQUETTE  
    Portal of The Republic of Mauritius
http://www.gov.mu		  
       
   
Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm
Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm
Saturday :9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only).

Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
  
       
   
Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
  
       
   
Conferences
Almost all of our large hotels are equipped and ready to cater for conferences. The number of people that can be accommodated varies from 30 to 500. The International Conference Centre in Grand Bay and the Freeport Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge can easily accommodate 600 and 1,000 people respectively.
    
       
    Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.		    
       
   
Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
  
         
   
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 42.
  
         
    Customs
- Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml.

- A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.

- It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.

- All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.

- Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.		  
         
   
Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.

Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
  
         
    Economy
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.		  
         
    Electricity
220 volts.		    
         
    Emergency
Police (ambulance) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu: 114		    
         
    Flights from Europe
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris.

British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.		  
         
    Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.		  
         
    Government
Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.		    
         
    Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.		  
         
   

History
Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris.

On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

  
         
   
Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.
  
         
    Newspapers
Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.		  
         
    Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.		  
         
    Population
1.2 million (Year 2003)		    
         
    Population literacy rate
82.9%		    
         
    Public holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.		  
         
   
Shopping
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.

Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.
  
         
    Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory.		    
         
   
Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time. Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.
  
         
    TV channels
Satellite TV and local tv & radio are available in most of the hotels.		    
         
    VAT
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.		    
         
   
Visa & entry requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.

The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.
  
         
   
What to wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.

Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
  
         
   
Working Hours
Private Sector: Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector: Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday: 9 am - noon (Skeleton service).
  
           
     
           
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