Capital: Port Louis .
Time: : GMT + 4.
Tel. Code: 00 230 .
Official Language: English is the official language. The most widely spoken languages are French, Creole (36 per cent), Hindi and Bhojpuri (32 per cent). Urdu and Chinese are also among the languages spoken.
Currency: : Mauritian Rupee (MRs) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of MRs2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Coins are in denominations of MRs10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.
Electricity: : 220 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.
Religion: : 51 per cent Hindu, 30 per cent Christian, 17 per cent Muslim.

Climate: : Warm coastal climate (particularly January to April), with relatively little seasonal variation in temperatures, although they are generally slightly lower inland, with more rain on the plateau around Curepipe. Cyclones may occur between November and February. Sea breezes blow all year, especially on the east coast.
Required clothing: : Tropical lightweights, with warmer wear for evenings and winter months (July to September). Rainwear advisable all year round. In the summer months, sun-care products and a hat are advisable.

Mauritius (MRU) (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) is 48km (30 miles) southeast of Port Louis. Taxis are available to the city (travel time – 45 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, snack bar, post office, shops and car hire (includes Avis, Europcar and Hertz). A new terminal has recently been built.

Departure tax: None.