Republic Of Mauritius
Capital city: Port Louis, largest city (main seaport), International airport at Plaisance
Area: 2040 square km, including Rodrigues (104 square km) and other islands (71 square km)
National day: 12 March (Independence day)
Independence: 12th March 1968. Former British Colony.
Population: 1.2 million as of 2000 97% on Mauritius.
Leader: Pres Cassam Uteem, head of state as at July 1992. Dr Ramgoolam born 1947, Prime Minister as at December 1995.