Mauritius
Mauritius
- Capital
- Port Louis
- Population
- 1,265,740
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- English
Mauritius was the only known habitat of the dodo, a flightless bird that became extinct less than a century after the island's discovery by humans. Today, the island is home to the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel, a geological phenomenon where sand dunes settle into seven distinct layers of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. These dunes never erode despite torrential tropical rains and remain a mystery to many visitors. Additionally, the island sits on a 'lost continent' called Mauritia, which was discovered by scientists beneath the Indian Ocean floor.
Currency
The official currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). It was first established by law in 1876 and began circulating in 1877, replacing the Mauritian Dollar and British Pound. Interestingly, the first banknotes were issued in small denominations to address a shortage of silver coins during the late 19th century.
Flag symbolism
The national flag, known as the Four Bands, consists of horizontal stripes in red, blue, yellow, and green. The red stripe represents the struggle for freedom and independence from colonial rule. Blue symbolizes the Indian Ocean, in which the island is situated, while yellow signifies the new light of independence and a bright future. The green stripe represents the lush agriculture and permanent verdure of the island throughout the year.
Emblem history
The coat of arms of Mauritius was granted by King George V in 1906 and features a shield supported by a dodo and a sambar deer. The shield is divided into quadrants showing a medieval galley representing the early settlers and three palm trees symbolizing the tropical nature of the territory. A key and a star are also present, reflecting the national motto 'Stella Clavisque Maris Indici' or Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. These symbols emphasize the island's strategic historical importance as a maritime hub before the opening of the Suez Canal.