History

Mauritius's pre-modern history began when sailors from the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia discovered the island around the 10th century. Portuguese sailors reach the island in the 1500s, but it was Dutch explorers who gave the island its name, after Prince Maurice of Nassau, a Dutch title-holder. The Dutch eventually settled Mauritius in the 1600s, but the French took it over in the early 1700s, prospering off the island's natural riches, including sugar. 

During the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s, the British gained control of Mauritius and held it in its control until 1968, when the Republic of Mauritius declared independence.

The Top 3: Local Advice

1. Don’t be surprised if you hear a few different languages being spoken while you are there: Mauritius has a cultural makeup that’s reflective of its history. The Dutch originally settled the island; they were followed by the French, who transported Africans from Senegal, Mozambique, Guinea, and Madagascar. British and Chinese interests were also dominant in Mauritius at one point. The Mauritian Creole population derived from slaves moved from the Caribbean.

2. The local cuisine is fantastic, largely for the reasons cited above. The varied history of Mauritius has influenced local food to the point that travelers need not worry about finding dishes that they’ll like. French and Indian dishes are particularly popular here.

3. Make an effort to become acquainted with some of the locals. They are extremely friendly and will be willing to tell you about some great places that you should visit.

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