Mauricio

Mauritius is a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 2,000km off the southeast coast of Africa. Famous for being the only known habitat of the now-extinct dodo bird, Mauritius is a tropical paradise known for luxury beach resorts, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and multicultural society. Mark Twain wrote 'Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; heaven being copied after Mauritius.' Port Louis, the capital, is a busy port city with French colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Independent from Britain since 1968 (previously French 1715-1810, then British), Mauritius has no indigenous population - all Mauritians descend from immigrants: Indian (68%, mostly indentured laborers brought by British), Creole (mixed African-Malagasy-European, 27%), Chinese (3%), Franco-Mauritian (2%). This creates remarkable cultural diversity. Visitors are drawn to pristine beaches (Belle Mare, Flic en Flac, Le Morne), luxury resorts, Seven Colored Earths Chamarel geological formation, Black River Gorges National Park hiking, underwater waterfall illusion off Le Morne, Île aux Cerfs island day trips, Grand Bassin Hindu sacred lake, Port Louis market and waterfront, diving and snorkeling, water sports, and multicultural cuisine (blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, French). Mauritius offers upscale island paradise with political stability and welcoming visa policies.