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| Mauritius |
Mauritius lies in the south-west of the Indian Ocean, about 900 km east of Madagascar and 2000 km off the east coast of mainland Africa. It forms part of the Mascarene Archipelago, along with Reunion, Rodrigues and St Brandon.
Capital: Port Louis
Population: 1.2 million
Currency: Mauritian rupee. Approximate exchange rates (October 2009): US$1 = Rs31, €1 = Rs46, £1 = Rs50)
Languages: English, French, Mauritian (Creole), Hindi, Arabic and various other oriental languages
Religions: Hindu (52%), Christian (31%), Muslim (17%)
Average life expectancy: 73
Political system: A republic and parliamentary democracy based on the British system, with a government led by a prime minister
Time zone: GMT+4.
The economic and political framework
The country is a legally-constituted state, cited as a model for its exemplary accession to independence in 1968 within a democratic framework, with respect for institutions. The country enjoys political stability.
It has an open-market economy, functioning in accordance with international trading norms.
Maurice is ranked 17th in the World Bank's latest survey on Doing Business. The country is specifically ranked 10th on procedures for Starting a Business and 12th for Protecting Investors and Paying Taxes.
There is also a high level of social stability within the country.
Economy
The Mauritian economy has undergone major changes in recent decades. It is nowadays sited as a model of economic development, not just within Africa but globally. There have been three main pillars to the economy: sugar, the Export Processing Zone (primarily textiles) and tourism. The off-shore sector (mainly financial) has grown strongly since 1992 and the ITC sector, which includes call centres and business process outsourcing, has now developed into a further major pillar.
Since it was set up in the 1970s, the Export Processing Zone, which enjoys special economic and fiscal advantages, has attracted foreign investors. It is entirely devoted to exports and has made a significant contribution to economic growth.
Mauritius has continued to diversify and has introduced a new legal framework (Integrated Resorts Scheme), which allows foreigners to purchase property on specific sites, with the possibility of acquiring permanent residence.
In summary, the island is particularly attractive to investors, with ongoing modernisation of its infrastructures, efficient telecommunications and ICT systems, an educated workforce and professional staff who are frequently bilingual. The country is a member of many regional and international organisations (which contributes to its economic and social development), and is signatory to many bilateral and multilateral agreements, which provide amongst other things for the protection of investments and double taxation treaties. Mauritius has an international stock exchange and there are no foreign exchange controls.
Climate
Mauritius is in the southern hemisphere and has a sub-tropical climate, with hot and relatively humid summers (November to April), when average temperatures vary between 26°C and 32°C (coastal regions are always warmer than inland). Heavy rain is possible but tends not to last for long. This is also a period when cyclones sometimes occur. Temperatures in winter (June to September) are more moderate, averaging between 20°C and 26°C. Trade winds blow throughout the year and the South and East are generally breezier and slightly wetter than the North and West. The sea is warm in summer (26°C to 29°C) and noticeably cooler in winter (20° to 23°C). The sun sets comparatively early, between 6 and 7 p.m, according to the time of year.
Population
Mauritius has a population of over 1.2 million, of varying ethnic origins. About 60/65% are of Indian origin; others of African, Chinese, European or mixed origin. The descendants of Indian immigrants are largely either Hindu or Moslem. Since it was first settled, the island has been a melting-pot of cultures and people. As evidence of its chequered history, whilst English is the language of administration, French is more often spoken in everyday life. The press is largely francophone. Enriched by all these external influences, modern-day Mauritius reflects its multi-cultural past. Mauritian, the local Creole language, is a unifying factor, used by people of all origins and the most widely spoken language. |
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