Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 500 miles off the east coast of Madagascar. The Island, which is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 720 square miles. Coral reefs surround most of the coast of the coast except the south. The plateau is bordered by the mountain ranges giving rise to a landscape of amazing beauty.

Population 

The population of the island is approximately 1.2 million made-up principally by people of European, African, Madagascar, Indian and Chinese origin. This has resulted in a unique blend of races, cultures and religions. Mauritius takes pride in the fact that these different cultures co-exist in peace and succeed in creating a cultural entity that is distinctly Mauritian. The workforce is adaptable, well-educated and has achieved Literacy rate of 90% .

Language

The Mauritian population is largely bilingual, being equally fluent in English and French. However, ‘Creole’ is understood by everyone and many speak a third Asian Language. English is the official Language.

Political Structure

Mauritius was uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1598. Before the Dutch it is thought that Arab and Malay sailors visited the Island. Dutch settlers named the Island Mauritius after the Prince of Nassau. The Dutch left Mauritius in 1710 and were the first to have introduced sugar cane which covers 90% of the Arable Land. The French subsequently occupied the Island and named it ‘Ile de France’. The French made a considerable contribution to the development of the harbor, the sugar industry and the capital city of Port Louis. Their century-long rule ended in 1810 when the island was captured by the British and the name ‘Maritius ‘ was re-instated. British rule lasted for 158 years until 12 March 1968 when it became an independent country within the British Commonwealth. The Republic of Mauritius is a Westminster-style democracy. The President is the Head of State and Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces. Full Executive Power rests with the Prime Minister who is Head of the Government. The Members of Parliament are elected every five years by popular vote and a number of political parties contest the elections, reflecting the country’s firm commitment to a Multi-Party political system. 

Legal System

Mauritius is a Hybrid Legal System based on English and French Law. The Procedural Law, both in criminal and civil litigation, is mainly English whilst substantive law is largely based on the French Napoleonic Code. The Company Law is modelle on the English Company Law. The Courts Administer the laws of Mauritius which consist of Acts, Rules and Regulations passed by the Island’s Nation Assembly. The Highest Court of Appeals is the Privy Council in London.

Communications

Mauritius has state - of - the - Art Telecommunication Facilities that include IDD to the majority of International Destinations, telex and facsimile links world - wide. Cellular and paging service networks are in place. Its strategic Location Facilitates Communication with the Far East, Europe and North America. International Courier Companies operate in Mauritius and provide prompt delivery services to most parts of the world. Mauritius has regular and direst airlines with Europe and the Far East and Modern Port facilities. The infrastructure is also well-developed.

Taxation Treaties

Mauritius offers the benefit of a number of favorable taxation treaties, namely, Germany, France, United Kingdom, India, Zimbabwe, Sweden, Malaysia, Swaziland, Italy, China , Pakistan, South Africa, Madagascar, Luxembourg, Namibia, Belgium, Singapore and Russia. Those Treaties awaiting signature are Kuwait, Lesotho, Oman, Vietnam and Sri Lanka whilst the Treaties with Canada and Botswana are still being negotiated.