Fact 1: Home of the Dodo Bird
Mauritius is famous for being the only known habitat of the extinct Dodo bird. Known scientifically as 'Raphus cucullatus', the Dodo bird was a flightless bird that lived exclusively on the island. Despite its extinction in the 17th century, the Dodo bird remains one of the symbolic images of Mauritius.
Fact 2: World Recognized Cuisine
Mauritian food is a fantastic blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese and European cuisines. The island's multi-cultural history is evident in its culinary scene, where you can taste everything from biryani to rougaille (a Creole dish), making it a food lover's paradise.
Fact 3: A Picture-Perfect Stamp's Story
A tiny piece of Mauritius’ history was the first Colonial stamp, the 'Blue Penny’ and ‘Red Penny’, issued in September 1847, making them some of the world’s first postage stamps. Today, a mint-condition 'Blue Penny' could be worth as much as a whopping million pounds!
Fact 4: Home to Rare Species
Mauritius is home to more than just the Dodo bird; it also has one of the world's rarest stamps and is native to several unique species of flora and fauna. Endeavours to save the endemic species from extinction have led to 'eco-tour' being a significant pull to the island for wildlife lovers.
Fact 5: The Star and Key of the Indian Ocean
Mauritius is often referred to as 'Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' because of its strategic location along the Spice Route. The phrase perfectly describes its historical and geographic significance for centuries of economic activities carried out by major colonial powers.
Fact 6: Panoramic Coral Reefs
The island of Mauritius is surrounded by over 150km of white sandy beaches and the world's third-largest coral reef. Mauritius is not just stunning above the water, but also underneath; it is perfect for snorkeling, diving and exploring the marine life beneath the surface.
Fact 7: A Rainbow Nation
With a population comprising Indian, African, French and Chinese, Mauritius is a perfect case study of harmony in diversity. Through its blending of languages, cultures, religions, cuisines, it truly embodies a 'rainbow nation.'
Fact 8: Seven Colored Earths
Mauritius is home to a unique geological formation called the 'Seven Colored Earths', located in Chamarel plain in the Southwestern part of the island. The multicoloured dunes were created by volcanic activity and can be seen in vibrant layers of red, brown, violet, blue, green and yellow.
Fact 9: Left-hand Driving Tradition
In Mauritius, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, a tradition adopted from the United Kingdom. This might be surprising for some visitors, but it's an exciting part of the island's unique character.
Fact 10: World's Second Oldest Horse Racing Track
Horse racing is a beloved sport in Mauritius, and its Champ de Mars Racecourse is the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. It has been hosting races since 1812.
Fact 11: A Country of Extinct Volcanoes
Mauritius is a country formed from volcanic activity, but no worries, the volcanoes there are dormant now. The Trou aux Cerfs, a 605-meter-high volcano located in Curepipe, is a famous tourist spot featuring a beautiful crater lake.
Fact 12: Mauritius has a Wedding ceremony dedicated to eels
In a Mauritian village named Constance La Gaiete, eels are considered sacred and people organize a ceremony called the "Veneration of Eels", which involves a wedding ceremony for these creatures. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the village.
Fact 13: Freest Economy in Africa
The Mauritian economy is considered the freest in Africa, according to the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom. The island has pursued free-market principles, leading to high rates of economic freedom, investment, and prosperity.
Fact 14: British-French Influence
Mauritius was both a French and British colony before becoming independent in 1968. The dual colonial history influences every aspect of the island, from architecture to food, with both English and French being widely spoken.
Fact 15: Bride-to-Be in Tears?
Among the Indo-Mauritian community, it is traditional for brides-to-be to cry before their wedding day. This ritual is conducted in belief that it rids of future sadness in their marital life, ensuring only happiness remains.
Fact 16: Only Olympic Medal in Weightlifting
Mauritius has won only one Olympic medal to date and that was in weightlifting in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Bruno Julie won the bronze medal, putting Mauritius on the sporting map.
Fact 17: Unique Music Genre
The island of Mauritius has a unique music style known as Sega. Originating from the days of slavery, Sega is rhythmic music with an upbeat tempo, typically accompanied by dancing which serves as important cultural expression of the Mauritian people.
Fact 18: It has a unique 'Underwater Waterfall'
An illusion created due to the sand and silt on the ocean floor, Mauritius boast a stunning 'underwater waterfall'. It's actually a trick of the eye, but the visual effect, often captured via drone photography, has made it one of Mauritius' iconic landmarks.
Fact 19: International Kitesurfing Destination
With its warm sea temperatures, consistent winds, and beautiful beaches, Mauritius is one of the leading destinations in the world for kitesurfing. Every year, enthusiasts from around the world converge on the island's Le Morne Brabant peninsula for some top-class surfing action.
Fact 20: The Plantation of Tea
Mauritius is acclaimed for its local herbs and more importantly, its variant flavours of tea ranging from vanilla and mint to tropical fruits. These tea plantations not only add to the island's picturesque landscape but also offer tastings and tours for tea aficionados.