Mauritius : an exclusive getaway in the heart of the Indian Ocean

Location
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, 500 miles east of Madagascar, lies a perfect tropical getaway, Mauritius. Access to Mauritius is easy as the island is served by regular flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

History and population
The strategic position of Mauritius on the former “Spice route”, earned it the title of “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean”.
The island has been successively colonised by the Arabs, the Dutch, the French and the British.
Today the island is an example to the world. Its population is a true melting pot, which blends Indian, Chinese, African and European lifestyles and traditions.
The legendary Mauritian hospitality and the excellence of the hotel industry have propelled Mauritius to being one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations.

Languages
English is the official language of the island; however, French and Creole are widely spoken. There are also numerous ethnic dialects.

Politics
Mauritius celebrates its Independence Day on the 12th of March each year. Independence was granted in 1968 and the island obtained the status of Republic in 1992, on the same date.
The island’s political infrastructure is based on the British model. Democratic elections conducted every five years appoint 70 members to the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government and holds the executive power, while the President acts as the Head of State. Mauritius is a proud member of the Commonwealth and of the eminent French-speaking organisations.

Economy
Until the 1980’s, agriculture - particularly the cultivation of the sugar cane - was the mainstay of the Mauritian economy. The country has since diversified its economy and can rely today on three other main pillars: textiles, tourism and the financial sector.

Climate
The island enjoys a mild tropical climate with temperatures varying from 20 to 32 C°.

Flights
The island is linked to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, by frequent daily flights operated by many airlines including Air Mauritius, the island’s own international airline.

Simplified entry requirements
It is easy to obtain a tourist visa to Mauritius. It is however recommended to double-check entry requirements with the appropriate embassy, consulate or travel agency.

A safe island
There are strict rules about the importation and exportation of plants, fruits and animals. Strict sanitary regulations are applied and no vaccines are required to enter the country.
The island is free of endemic diseases and poisonous animals. The island also enjoys political stability and press freedom.

Time difference
An ideal geographical location virtually in the centre of the Southern Indian Ocean (GMT +4) reduces the time difference between its main markets.

Location
The Republic of Seychelles comprising 115 islands is an archipelago of legendary beauty extending between 4 to 10 degrees south of the Equator and lying between 480 km and 1,600 km from the east coast of Africa.

Seychelles' 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The towering granite Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow Seychelles' plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly 1800 km. distant from the east coast of Africa. The low-lying coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator.
There are 43 Inner Islands in all - 41 granitic and two coralline, and a total of 72 coralline Outer Islands.
The mostly granitic Inner Islands cluster around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, three islands which form the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry. Sainte Anne Island lies 4 km off the east coast of Mahé.

Sainte Anne is the largest island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park and is in close proximity to its neighbours, Cerf Island, Round Island and Moyenne Island. Discovered in 1742 by the famous explorer Lazare Picault, Sainte Anne was the first island to be settled by the early French settlers before they took up residence on Mahé. The island was later home to a commercial whaling station and a World War II gun battery.

History and population
Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814.

Under British rule, important estates were established producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital.

Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the Commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert René, on December 4, 1991, President René announced a return to the multiparty system of government, 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President René was victorious.

The Seychellois population continues to reflect its multi-ethnic roots. Traditionally, the islands have attracted a broad diversity of peoples from the four corners of the earth which has included freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians.

Languages
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole, English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

Politics
The Republic of Seychelles has a multi-party political system with an executive President as head of state and government. The President heads a Cabinet of 10 ministers which includes the Vice-President.
Legislative power is vested in a National Assembly of 34 members of whom 25 are elected directly in constituencies with the balance on proportional basis based on the results of the National Assembly elections.
The Republic of Seychelles is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.

Climate
Seychelles’ enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

Flights
Mahé is the only hub for flights. Air Seychelles caters for all domestic flights (between islands).
The island is linked to main hubs of the world by various international airlines.

Entry requirements
No visas are required to enter the Seychelles but specific documents must be shown to obtain immigration clearance including a valid passport, return air ticket, proof of accommodation with contact details. It is recommended to double-check entry requirements with the appropriate embassy, consulate or travel agency.

Time difference
An ideal geographical location in the centre of the Southern Indian Ocean (GMT +4) reduces the time difference between its main markets.