(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/45837000/gif/_45837945_mauritius226.gif)
Mauritius, a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches in the Indian Ocean, has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population of Asians, Europeans and Africans.
• Full name: The Republic of Mauritius
• Population: 1.3 million (UN, 2010)
• Capital and largest city: Port Louis
• Area: 2,040 sq km (788 sq miles)
• Major languages: English (official), Creole, French, Indian languages
• Major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
• Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Mauritian rupee=100 cents
• Main exports: Sugar, clothing, tea, jewellery
• GNI per capita: US $7,240 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .mu
• International dialling code: +230
The island has maintained one of the developing world's most successful democracies and has enjoyed years of constitutional order.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1063172.stm#facts)
Provides an overview of Mauritius, including key events and facts about this ethnically diverse Indian Ocean island nation
Attribution: CNN, BBC and IOL Africa.