Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English (official; spoken by less than 1% of the population)

Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, Muslim 16.6%, other Christian 8.6%, other 2.5%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.4%

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial and tourist sectors.

No regular military forces; National Police Force, Special Mobile Force, National Coast Guard

A valid passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required. Immigration authorities require the validity of the entrant’s passport to be greater than six months upon both arrival and departure. Travelers must also provide a local address where they will be staying in Mauritius. Visas are issued at the point of entry. A tourist entry fee and the airport departure tax are included in the price of a plane ticket. Travelers coming from yellow fever-infected areas may be asked to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Mauritius, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 441, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491/2, or the Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles, telephone (310) 557-2009. Overseas, inquiries may be at the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate. Visit the web site of the Embassy of Mauritius at http://www.maurinet.com/embasydc.html for the most current visa information. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 6, Airports w/paved runways2

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU/FIMP)
Mauritius Airport, Mauritius, Department of Civil Aviation, SSR International Airport, Plaine-Magnien, MAURITIUS
Tel: +230 (0)603 6000, +230 (0)637 3531
Fax: +230 (0)637 3164, +230 (0)637 5306
Customs, hours: 24 hours
Tel: +230 (0)637 3564, +230 (0)637 3230
Fax: +230 (0)637 3374

Thefts in tourist areas are a concern, and visitors should keep track of their belongings at all times. Women are advised against walking alone, particularly on public beaches and at night. There has been an increase in reports of sexual assault and harassment of foreign women. Americans should avoid crowds and street demonstrations, and maintain a low profile.
Although violent crimes are uncommon, petty crime is a problem. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels.

Infant MR total:  14.14 deaths/ 1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 72.88 years  (male 68.92/ female 76.9)

Required:  None

Recommended:  Hep A & B, Typhoid
Boosters:  MMR, DPT, poliovirus

Dengue, Filariasis, Leishmaniasis, Onchocerciasis (river blindness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in the region. Plague occurs sporadically or in outbreaks. Outbreaks have occurred since 2000 in Madagascar. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, can be contracted in fresh water in this region.

Medical facilities are available, but more limited than in the United States. Emergency assistance is limited. While public hospitals and clinics provide free care, many visitors may choose to be treated by private doctors and hospitals.

In 2005-2006, massive outbreaks of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, occurred on island countries in the southwest Indian Ocean (Réunion, Mayotte, Mauritius, and Seychelles).

Country Calling Code:  +230

Internet Country Code:  mu