Country Profile

Formal Name:  Republic of Mauritius  
Local Name:  Republik Moris 
Government:  Parliamentary republic
Structure:  9 districts, subdivided into municipalities
Formation:  12 March 1968 (independence from the UK) 
Motto:  Stella Clavisque Maris Indici (Star and Key of the Indian Ocean)
Anthem:  Motherland
Languages:  English, Creole, Bhojpuri, French
Population:  1.3 million
Area:  2,040 km2 (179th)
Currency:  Mauritian rupee (MUR)
Capital:  Port Louis (150,000)