Mauritius Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Port Louis

Area:  2,040 sq km

Climate:  tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Population:  1,303,717 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English (official; spoken by less than 1% of the populati

Government-Economy

Government type: parliamentary democracy

Independence Day: 12 March 1968 (from the UK)

Currency: Mauritian Pupee (MUR)

GDP: $17.49 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $13,500 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Mauritius

Obtaining a Visa

All visitors must hold valid tickets and documents for their onward or return journey and adequate funds for their intended length of stay, as well as confirmed accommodation booking. If sponsored by a Mauritian citizen, applicant should produce supporting letter of sponsor, stating name, address and relationship.

Housing

Link for hotels, hostels: http://www.centralymcasf.org/ymca/hostal/cheap-hotels-in-mauritius.htm

Health

Public medical facilities are numerous and of a high standard, and there are several inexpensive private clinics, mostly staffed by doctors educated in the west. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK; foreign visitors have to pay at state-run clinics and hospitals. Emergency evacuation health insurance is advised for those at serious risk.

Money

MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted by most banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops followed by American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are widespread.