Mauritius
A volcanic island, 2,000 km off the southeast coast of Africa — built on a coral reef, run as a stable multi‑party democracy, and now one of Africa’s leading gateways for financial and insurance capital.
No indigenous population — only arrivals.
- 1507
First recorded visit by Portuguese sailors.
- 1598
Dutch colonise the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau.
- 1715
French take control, renaming it Île de France.
- 1810
British capture Mauritius during the Napoleonic Wars, preserving French civil law.
- 1835
Slavery is abolished.
- 1834–1920s
Indentured labourers arrive, mainly from India, shaping modern Mauritian society.
- 1968
Independence from the United Kingdom — 12 March.
- 1992
Mauritius becomes a Republic, remaining in the Commonwealth — 12 March.
Mauritius is frequently cited as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
Small island, dense with people, culture and reef.
Beyond the mainland, Mauritius also administers Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon — all volcanic in origin, ringed by one of the world’s largest coral reef systems.
People of Indian, African, Chinese, European and mixed heritage share the island — a diversity Mauritius treats as its model of peaceful coexistence.
A parliamentary democracy that consistently ranks among Africa’s leaders.
No official language by constitution — most Mauritians speak several.
- Hinduism
- Christianity
- Islam
- Buddhism
- Other faiths
Religious festivals are celebrated nationally, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
From a mono-crop sugar economy to one of Africa’s most diversified.
Mauritius is widely recognised as an important gateway for investment into Africa — sugar gold, once the whole economy, is now one thread among many.
One of Africa’s leading international financial centres.
- 01Stable legal framework
- 02Hybrid legal system — French Civil Law & English Common Law
- 03Extensive tax treaty network
- 04Strong regulatory framework
- 05Investment platform into Africa and Asia
- 06Modern banking system
- 07Highly skilled workforce
The financial services sector contributes significantly to GDP and employment nationwide.
licensed life & general insurers, in one of Africa’s most developed insurance markets.
- Well-regulated by the Financial Services Commission
- Strong solvency and governance requirements
- Increasing adoption of digital technologies and AI
- Significant institutional investor base supporting capital markets
- Growing focus on climate resilience, cyber risk, ESG and financial inclusion
Mauritius also serves as a regional insurance and reinsurance hub, connecting Africa, Asia and international markets.
A main economic pillar, built on lagoon and landscape.
A table set by every culture that ever landed here.
Practical information for visitors.
- Entry
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities
- Airport
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
- Electricity
- 230V, British-style Type G plugs
- Driving
- Left-hand side
- Currency
- Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Languages
- English & French widely understood
- Safety
- Regarded as one of Africa's safest destinations
- Tipping
- Appreciated, generally discretionary
Why Mauritius?
For conferences, business or a holiday, Mauritius offers a welcoming environment where professional opportunity and memorable leisure coexist — one of the Indian Ocean’s most attractive destinations.