History
Ancient history and settlement.
Discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Mauritius was later colonized by the Dutch, French, and British. It gained independence in 1968. Mauritius has a multicultural society influenced by its colonial past and diverse immigrant populations.
Geography
Ancient history and settlement.
Located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, Mauritius is known for its volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs. It features coastal plains, central plateaus, and tropical forests.