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Mauritius | ||||
| Commonwealth realm | ||||
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| Motto Stella Clavisque Maris Indici Star and Key of the Indian Ocean | ||||
| Anthem Motherland | ||||
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| Capital | Port Louis | |||
| Government | Constitutional monarchy | |||
| Monarch | ||||
| - 1968-1992 | Elizabeth II | |||
| Governor-General | ||||
| - 1986-1992 | Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo | |||
| Prime Minister | ||||
| - 1982-1992 | Sir Anerood Jugnauth | |||
| Legislature | National Assembly | |||
| History | ||||
| - March 12, 1968 | Established | |||
| - March 12, 1992 | Republic | |||
| Commonwealth accession | March 12, 1968 | |||
| Area | 2,040 km² | |||
| Currency | Mauritian rupee | |||
 Colony of Mauritius
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Mauritius 
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Mauritius (1968-1992) was a constitutional monarchy off the coast of Eastern Africa. It was also one of the Commonwealth realms.
Background
Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. Independence from the UK was attained in 1968.[1]
Monarch
- Elizabeth II (₩) (March 12, 1968 - March 12, 1992)
Governor-General
- Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo (₩) (January 17, 1986 - March 12, 1992)
Prime Minister
- Sir Anerood Jugnauth (₩) (June 16, 1982 - March 12, 1992)
Nation
Mauritian Polities
Colony of Mauritius- Republic of Mauritius (From 1992)
Neighbouring Nations
References
- ↑ The CIA World Factbook: Introduction - Background