Interesting Mauritius Facts
Mauritius is an island country located in Eastern Africa where it is bordered by the Indian Ocean. It spreads across 2,040 km2 of land. The estimated total population of Mauritius is somewhere in the region of 1,265,138.
Check out interesting Mauritius facts and information about this African country with our fact file for kids. Explore important facts about the climate, currency, flag, continent, geography, landscape, language, people, culture, landmarks, population, location and size of Mauritius.
Explore Africa with our interesting Mauritius facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Mauritius in? What is Mauritius famous for? What is the population of Mauritius? What is the capital city of Mauritius? What is the climate like in Mauritius?
Mauritius Fact File: Continent: Africa * Country Name(s): Mauritius, Republic of Mauritius * Location: Eastern Africa * Bordering: the Indian Ocean * Capital City: Port Louis * Size: 2,040 km2 * Estimated Population: over 1,265,138 * Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR) * Language(s): None * Country Code: +230
Interesting Mauritius Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
Mauritius forms part of the continent of Africa, it is classed as an island country and is situated in the Indian Ocean in Eastern Africa. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Africa is the world's second largest continent, spanning a total area of 30,370,000 km2. Africa has 54 countries, and forms 20.4% of the world's landmass. Mauritius is an island country that spans a total area of approximately 2,040 km2. It is the third smallest country in Africa. Mauritius is formed of two main islands; Mauritius and Rodrigues, plus several outer islands. Together with Reunion, the main islands form the Mascarene Islands.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this African country is in excess of 1,265,138 people. The majority of Mauritius' inhabitants reside in Port Louis which is the country's most populous city. Mauritius has a low to average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 651 people per sq km. The estimated population of Africa is approximately 1,186,178,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the second largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
The capital city of Mauritius is Port Louis. Other major cities located in this country include Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Vacoas, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes and Triolet.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following information provides a guideline to the approximate border lengths of Mauritius:
Coastline 177 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
Mauritius has a hot, humid tropical climate that is moderated by trade winds of the southeast. The summers are the hottest and wettest time of the year and occur from November to May. The winters can be described as warm and dry, and occur from May to November. The geography of Mauritius is defined by its coastal region, central plateau and mountainous areas. The main island of Mauritius is volcanic and is encompassed by coral reefs. The lowest point of Mauritius is the Indian Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Mont Piton at 828m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of Mauritius
Natural resources are materials and substances that can be found occurring naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of natural resources present in an individual country depends on varying factors which are influenced by the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, have many natural resources, where as some other countries have limited to none. Food, transport and construction are three of the primary uses of natural resources. For example, fish is a naturally occurring resource that can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into different types of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber from forests can be used to build homes and furniture. The natural resources of Mauritius include arable land suitable for growing crops and fish.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official language of Mauritius is Creole. Other languages that are spoken in this country include Bhojpuri, French and English.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The main religion of Mauritius is Hindu at approximately 48% of the population. Around 26% are Roman Catholic and 17% Muslim. The rest of the population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of Mauritius
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, mottos, colors, anthems and songs represent the national pride and identity of countries worldwide. These national symbols are forged through a nation's unique history and can represent both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, songs, mottos and colors reflect the past, present and future hopes of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a nation such as wildlife, plants, geographical features, crops, tools of agriculture, and tools of war. Here are some important facts on the symbols, songs and colors of Mauritius:
National symbol(s): D0odo bird (Mauritius was once home to the dodo; a large flightless bird that is now an extinct species), Trochetia Boutoniana flower
National colors: red, blue, yellow and green
National Anthem/Song: Motherland
Independence and Republic Day, 12 March (1968 & 1992)
National Motto(s): Stella Clavisque Maris Indici (Translation: Star and key of the Indian Ocean)