Mauritius

Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in 1505; it was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence 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. Recent poor weather and declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Country profile: Mauritius

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

It has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and economic success stories, being a sugar and clothing exporter and a centre for upmarket tourism. But Mauritian exports have been hit by strong competition from low-cost textile producers and the loss of sugar subsidies from Europe.

AT-A-GLANCE

• Politics: Navin Ramgoolam became premier in July 2005, having already held the post from 1995 to 2000. Changing coalitions have been a feature of politics
• Economy: Policy shift emphasises opening up the economy by breaking down barriers to investment. Erosion of preferential trade arrangements for sugar and textiles have undermined growth
• International: Mauritius claims the Chagos Islands, administered by Britain and home to a US military base on Diego Garcia.

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

Mauritius was uninhabited when the Dutch took possession in 1598. Abandoned in 1710, it was 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.

The country is home to some of the world's rarest plants and animals. But human habitation and the introduction of non-native species have threatened its indigenous flora and fauna.

The dodo - a flightless bird and a national symbol - was hunted into extinction in the 17th century.

• Full name: The Republic of Mauritius
• Population: 1.2 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Port Louis
• Area: 2,040 sq km (788 sq miles)
• Major languages: English, French (both official), 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 $5,260 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .mu
• International dialling code: +230

President: Sir Anerood Jugnauth

Prime minister: Navin Ramgoolam

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.