Mauritius: flag, capital, currency and history

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Port Louis. The currency is the Mauritian rupee. Languages spoken include English, French and Mauritian Creole.

Quick facts about Mauritius

Official name: Republic of Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis
Region: Africa, Eastern Africa
Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR, ₨)
Languages: English, French, Mauritian Creole
Calling code: +230
Internet domain: .mu
Area: 2,040 km² (788 sq mi)
Land borders: None (island or surrounded by water)
Demonym: Mauritian
National day: National Day, March 12

Flag of Mauritius

Download the flag of Mauritius as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇺.

SVG (vector)

History of Mauritius

Mauritius was uninhabited when Arab and later Portuguese sailors first visited the island. The Dutch claimed it in 1598 and began settling in 1638, before abandoning it in the early 18th century. France took possession in 1715 and named it Isle de France, developing a plantation economy worked largely by enslaved people. Britain captured the island in 1810 and gained formal possession in 1814. After slavery was abolished in 1835, indentured labourers, mainly from India, arrived in large numbers. Mauritius became independent in 1968 and a republic within the Commonwealth in 1992. Its capital is Port Louis.

Key dates

1598Dutch sailors claim the uninhabited island and name it after Prince Maurice of Nassau.
1638The Dutch begin a first settlement on the island.
1715France takes possession and renames the island Isle de France.
1810British forces capture the island from France.
1835Slavery is abolished in the British Empire, including Mauritius, followed by a period of apprenticeship.
1968Mauritius becomes independent on 12 March.
1992Mauritius becomes a republic within the Commonwealth.