Mauritanid Builders

Ever wondered what lies beyond Mauritius’ breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters? Join us as we delve into a treasure trove of fascinating facts about Mauritius island, and a page from history on Former President Mustafa Ould Salek.

1. The Extinct Dodo

Mauritius was once home to the Dodo bird, a flightless bird that became extinct around the end of the 17th century. Interestingly, the Dodo only existed in Mauritius, making it a truly unique part of the island’s natural history.

2. Multilingual Society

Despite its small size, Mauritius is a linguistically diverse country. English and French are widely spoken, but most Mauritians converse in Creole, a language rooted in French but enriched with influences from African and Asian languages. This island is rich, not only with beautiful sceneries, but with history. If learning about Mauritius Island’s path fascinates you, a quick trip to the Mauritius National History Museum is your gateway to the island’s captivating past.

3. A Rainbow Nation

Mauritius is often referred to as a ‘rainbow nation‘ due to its multicultural society. The island has a rich tapestry of cultures with Indian, African, Chinese and European influences that can be seen in its cuisine, music, and festivals.

4. The Sacred Lake of Ganga Talao

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred lake for Mauritians of Hindu faith. It mirrors the Ganges River in India and is the focal point of the Maha Shivaratri festival, one of the largest Hindu pilgrimages outside India.

5. The Man Behind Mauritania’s Flag

Former President Mustafa Ould Salek is a significant figure in Africa’s political history. As the first President of Mauritania, he is known for changing the national flag to its current design during his presidency from 1978 to 1979. Although his rule was brief and fraught with challenges, including a failed attempt to annex Western Sahara, his influence on Mauritanian history is undoubted.

6. Mauritius’ Stamps of Fame

Did you know Mauritius was the fifth country in the world to issue postage stamps? The island released the ‘Post Office’ stamps in 1847, which are now among the rarest and most valuable stamps globally.

7. The Seven Coloured Earths

The last facts about Mauritus Island on our list it that the island boasts several breathtaking destination spots but, one of the island’s most remarkable natural wonders is the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel. These naturally occurring sand dunes feature distinct colours, a result of the varying mineral content in the soil, offering a mesmerising spectacle.