Key facts and travel tips about Mauritius

Country name Republic of the Mauritius

Area 2,040 sq km

Population 1.25 million

Capital city Port Louis (population 150,000)

Government Republic established in 1992; gained independence from the UK in 1968

Language Creole, English and French.

Useful phrases Try these French phrases: Bonjour – hello; ca va? – how are you?; merci – thank you; S'il vous plait – please; Oui – Yes; Non – No

Climate Tropical. Mauritius enjoys a tropical maritime climate, with little seasonal variation in temperature. Wintere from May to early October is warm and dry with an average temperature of 18°C to 24°C. Summer, from December to April, is hot, humid and wet, with an average temperature on the coast that ranges from 25°C to 33°C.

Currency Mauritius Rupee (MUR)

Time Zone Six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time; four hours behind Australian Western Standard Time; GMT/UTC +4 hours

Electricity 240 volts, 50hz; Australian-style three-pin plugs and round two-pin plugs

Religions Mostly Hindu, large Christian and Islam and Buddhist minorities

Dialling code +230

Tipping Tipping is discretionary. Government tax, added to all hotel and restaurant bills, is included in the basic price.

Local etiquette Visitors are requested not to offend local sensibilities.

Tip Hats and sunscreen are a must and sneakers or sandals are advisable for walking and swimming around coral. If you cut yourself on coral pour lemon or lime juice over the wound to relieve the pain, or use hydrogen peroxide.

Did you know? Creole is a language adapted from 17th century French.