Republic of Mauritius
- Official name: Republic of Mauritius
| Place | Type | AsNotedIn | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Type | AsNotedIn | Area |
| Mauritius | Island |
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar - The World Factbook
| Particulars for Republic of Mauritius: | |
|---|---|
| Locale Type | Nation |
| Data | |
|---|---|
| Corruption Perceptions Index - 2014, Transparency International: | 47 |
Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signal intelligence. Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. - The World Factbook
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