Some facts about Mauritius

 

  • The dodo, an extinct flightless bird, used to live on Mauritius. Tough extinct, the dodo is one of the supporters of the national coat of arms.

  • Mauritius became the fifth country to have postage stamps. The "Red Penny" and the "Blue Penny" are probably the rarest in the world. Issued in 1847, the “Blue Penny” was a 1 pence stamp featuring a picture of Queen Victoria, and the “Red Penny” a 2 pence stamp. They are considered among the rarest and most valuable philatelist items.

  • Located off major shipping routes, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the 16th century, allowing it to develop into one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

  • In Mauritius, people drive on the left side of the road.

  • Mark Twain visited Mauritius and described the trip in his book, "Following the Equator: A Journey around the World"

  • Mauritius is a member of the Commonwealth Nations. 

  • Mauritius is one of the richest as well as the most developed countries in Africa. 

  • The national flower of Mauritius is the Trochetia Boutoniana (Boucle d'Oreille).