| The 1,865 square kilometer island is of volcanic origin, | | | | won independence from Britain on 12 March, 1968; |
| with coral reefs circling most of the seacoast exclude | | | | with republic status getting in 1992. |
| the southland The Dutch settled on the island in 1598, | | | | Grand Bay |
| and named it Mauritius, in honor of their ruler, Prince | | | | Grand Bay was the 1st country of the island to fully |
| Maurice de Nassau although the island was probably | | | | experience the tourer boom. A shopping and leisure |
| visited by Arab bargainers before the 10th century. | | | | heaven, Grand Bay likewise happens to be the region |
| The Dutch colonists abandoned the island in 1710, and | | | | where Mauritians head for when they want a |
| were substituted by the French who renamed it Ile | | | | fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars & discos). Lately |
| de France. | | | | freshened up, La Cuvette beach is well deserving a |
| When the British took control during the Napoleonic | | | | visit. |
| wars, the name returned to Mauritius and Indian | | | | Pereybere |
| contract labourers were presented to make-up for | | | | The fantastic Pereybere public beach is popular for of |
| the demise of slavery in the British Empire. Mauritius | | | | its shopping facilities, eating places & pubs. |