|
Geographical
Information |
|
Map
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Geographical |
Mauritius is located on the south west of the Indian
Ocean, in the Mascarene archipelago, at 160 km east
from Reunion Island and 920 km east from Madagascar.
It includes the main island of Mauritius, Rodrigues,
Saint Brandon and Agaléga.
Mauritius is a volcanic island of 1865 km², the
coast 330 km long, is almost entirely encircled by
coral reefs.
An enormous plateau forms part of the landscape
reaching an altitude of 600 m, where you can find
sub-tropical forests, rivers and waterfalls. The
plateau has 3 chains of mountains with the highest
peaks being Piton de la Rivière Noire (828 m),
Pieter Both (823 m) and Le Pouce (812 m).In addition
to the fine sand beaches and the blue lagoon, this
paradisiacal island offers superb sugar cane fields
gracefully bending to the ocean breeze.
Mauritius Island is more than a journey it is an
encounter, allowing you to meet with a multi
colored nation which reflects the African, Eastern
and Western influences.
Take time and stroll down the colorful markets
where Creole and Indian salesmen sell fragrant
spices, medicinal herbs and silken saris. Indulge
yourself in a gastronomic break and taste how the
Indian, Chinese or Creole cuisine transform the
tropical products – fruits, vegetables, fish and
shellfish – into subtle and appetizing dishes that
will linger in your memory. |
|
|
|
Mauritius at a glance: |
|
Mauritius is located in Southern Africa, island in
the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, in the time
zone GMT 4. The country has boundaries of 0 (km),
and a coastline of 177 (km). Major urban areas: Port
Louis, Cure pipe. |
|
Elevations |
Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Highest point: Mont Piton 828 m |
|
Physical Features |
|
Volcanic, central plateau |
|
Hazards |
|
Cyclones (November to April); almost completely
surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards |
|
Climate |
|
Tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm,
dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer
(November to May) |
|
Natural Resources |
|
Arable land, fish |
|
Land Use |
|
Arable land: 49.02% permanent crops: 2.94% other:
48.04% (2005) |
|
|
|
|
