The island has maintained one of the developing world's most successful democracies and has enjoyed years of constitutional order.

OVERVIEW

It has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories, being a sugar and textiles exporter and a centre for upmarket tourism.

Various cultures and traditions flourish in peace, though Mauritian Creoles, descendents of African slaves who make up a third of the population, live in poverty and complain of discrimination.

Mauritius, an increasingly popular tourist spot, was uninhabited when the Dutch took possession in 1598. It was home to the flightless bird, the dodo, which was hunted into extinction. The island was abandoned by the Dutch in 1710, taken over by the French in 1715 and seized by the British in 1810.

It gained independence in 1968 as a constitutional monarchy, with executive power nominally vested in the British monarch. It became a republic in 1992. The island of Rodrigues and other smaller islets also form part of the country.

Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos islands, which lie around 1,000 km to the north east. The British territory, which was separated from Mauritius in 1965, is home to the US military base on Diego Garcia. The British government oversaw the forced removal of the Chagos islanders to Mauritius to make way for the base.

FACTS

• Population: 1.2 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Port Louis
• Area: 2,040 sq km (788 sq miles)
• Major languages: English (official), French, Creole, Indian languages
• Major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
• Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Mauritian rupee=100 cents
• Main exports: Sugar, clothing, tea, jewellery
• GNI per capita: US $4,100 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .mu
• International dialling code: +230

LEADERS

President: Sir Anerood Jugnauth

Prime minister: Navin Ramgoolam

Navin Ramgoolam won a second, non-consecutive term in 2005

Former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of the Social Alliance returned to power after defeating Paul Berenger of the Mauritian Militant Movement in elections in July 2005.

The new premier promised to tackle rising inflation and unemployment. To this end, he advocates trade agreements that give preference to Mauritian exports, including sugar and textiles.

Born in 1947, Mr Ramgoolam served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000. He is a doctor and lawyer.

His predecessor Paul Berenger, a white Mauritian of French descent, became the island's first non-Hindu prime minister in 2003.