| Mauritius, a volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches in the Indian Ocean, has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population of Asians, Europeans and Africans. 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 are a feature of politics Economy: Policy shift aims to break 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 and largest city: 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  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. Foreign minister: Madan Dulloo Finance minister: Rama Sithanen The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. State-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) operates radio and TV services and generally reflects government thinking. It is funded by advertising and a TV licence fee. Private radio stations were introduced in 2002. Daily newspapers and weeklies offer balanced coverage in several languages. They are often critical of both the government and the opposition parties. Two media groups - Le Mauricien Ltd and La Sentinelle Ltd - dominate the press scene. Television is the most-popular medium. Multichannel TV is available in Port Louis. Internet access is widely available, especially in urban areas. BBC World Service radio is available via a mediumwave (AM) relay. Radio France Internationale is relayed on FM. The press
L'Express - daily Le Mauricien - daily Le Matinal - daily Mauritius Times - English-language weekly Television
MBC - state-run, operates three channels and a service for Rodrigues Island Radio
MBC - state-run, broadcasting in English, French, Indian languages and Chinese. MBC stations include Radio Maurice 1 and 2, Kool FM, Taal FM, One World FM and Radio Rodrigues. Top FM - private FM station, Bollywood music and Western pop Radio One - first private radio station Radio Plus - private
| | VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS The Mauritian national anthem
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