Flag Description

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green; red represents self-determination and independence, blue the Indian Ocean surrounding the island, yellow has been interpreted as the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright future, and green can symbolize either agriculture or the lush vegetation of the island

Background:Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes.

Total Area: 2,040 sq km

Land Area:2,030 sq km

Water Area:10 sq km

Land Boundries Total:

Border Countries:

Coastline:177 km

Lowest Point:Indian Ocean 0 m

Highest Point:Mont Piton 828 m

Population:1,331,155 (July 2014 est.)

Population Growth Rate:0.66% (2014 est.)

Religion:Hindu 48.5%, Roman Catholic 26.3%, Muslim 17.3%, other Christian 6.4%, other 0.6%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.)

Literacy(%):0.888

Literacy(%) Male:0.911

Literacy(%) Female:86.7% (2011 est.)

Independence Day:12 March 1968 (from the UK)

National Holiday:Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

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