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Population
1.18 Million (December 1999 Central
Statistical Office estimate)
Capital City
Port Louis (Population 143,620
(1999)
Language
English is the official language
but French, Hindi and Creole (a patois derived from
French are universally used in everyday life
Principal Religions
Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic
and Protestant
International dialling
code from UK
230
Local currency
Mauritian Rupee (RS)
Weights and measures
Metric
Public holidays
| New Year - 1
January |
| New Year -
2 January |
| Thaipoosam Cavadee
- 28 January |
| Spring Festival -
22 February |
| Maha Shivratree -
12 March |
| Mauritius Independence Day
- 12 March |
| Early May Bank Holiday
- 6 May |
| Assumption - 15
August |
| Ganesh Chaturthi -
11 September |
| Divali - 4
November |
| Eid-Ul-Fitr - 6
or 7 December |
Passports / Visas
British nationals holding return
tickets do not require entry permits, or entry or transit
visas.
Health advice / risks
It is essential to take out full
medical insurance when visiting Mauritius as there are
no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Mauritius
and the United Kingdom. The are no compulsory vaccinations
for visitors from the UK.
Travel routes to Mauritius
There are no regular passenger
sea services direct from the UK. Air services are provided
direct from Europe several times a week. On departure
an airport tax of Rs 300 is payable.
How to get to & from
the airport
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International
Airport is situated in the South -East, about 30 miles
from Port Louis. Taxi faire to Port Louis is in the
region of Rs 600 (£15) each way.
Travelling in mauritius
There is a good network of asphalt
roads. Bus services link all parts of the island. There
are taxi services in urban areas and important villages.
Taxis may be hired by the day, at reasonable cost. Self
-drive cars can be hired from several local companies,
including agents for many internationally known car-hire
firms. It is advisable to order your vehicle in the
UK, as there is a shortage locally. Traffic drives on
the left.
Hotels
There is a business hotel (Labourdonnais
Waterfront Hotel) in Port Louis and there are a number
of beach hotels. All international Credit Cards are
accepted.
Restaurants
There are many restaurants in
Mauritius. Standards are high particularly in hotels
but can be expensive, particularly if wine is included.
There is a service charge so tipping is voluntary. All
major credit cards are accepted.
Electricity supply
The domestic supply is 220 volts
AC, 50 cycles. The standard 13-amp three-pin plug can
be used in most hotels. Bayonet fittings are common,
but some screw types are also in use.
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