Discover unique facts about the island of Mauritius, from its stunning underwater waterfalls to its history as a British sugar producer and its role in World War II.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius is an exotic destination rich in natural beauty, history and culture.

Behind its charm, the island holds a variety of interesting facts that may not be widely known. Here are 10 unique facts about Mauritius Island that can broaden your horizons.

1. Amazing Underwater Waterfall Illusion

One of Mauritius’ most famous unique features is the underwater waterfall phenomenon. This view can be clearly seen from the air in the southwest part of the island, which appears to show water flowing down to the ocean floor.

However, it turns out that this underwater waterfall is just an optical illusion resulting from a combination of sand and mud carried by the current to create a stunning visual effect. The phenomenon known as the Mauritius Underwater Vortex can even be seen on Google Maps.

2. Mauritians speak many languages

Mauritius is known for its unique ethnic and cultural diversity. About two-thirds of the population is of Indo-Pakistani descent, with the rest being Creoles (of French and African descent), as well as small communities of ethnic Chinese and French-Mauritians.

Although English is the official language, only a small percentage of the population uses it in everyday conversation. Creole, which is a French accent, is the most commonly spoken language in Mauritius.

In addition, many Mauritians are able to speak two to three other languages such as Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Marathi, Urdu, and even Mandarin.

3. One of the countries with the highest population density in Africa

Although Mauritius’s land area is only 790 square miles (about 2,040 km²), it is home to over 1.3 million people. With this figure, Mauritius is one of the countries with the highest population density in the world, at around 1,634 people per square mile.

This figure puts Mauritius on par with populous countries such as Monaco, Singapore and Bahrain.

4. Home to Unique Rare Animals

Mauritius was once the native habitat of the dodo bird, a species that is now extinct. The dodo bird, which was known as a flightless bird, became extinct around 1681 due to excessive hunting and the destruction of its ecosystem.

Apart from the dodo bird, Mauritius is also home to a rare pigeon called the pink pigeon. Although it was almost extinct, conservation efforts succeeded in keeping this bird population from disappearing from nature.

5. Heaven for Marine Tourism Lovers

As an island nation, Mauritius offers an unforgettable island hopping experience. Activities such as island hopping are a favorite among tourists because the distance between the islands is quite close.

Popular must-visit islands include Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Gabriel. Not only that, Mauritius is also known for its amazing diving spots, such as La Cathédrale and Rempart Serpent, which offer underwater beauty with various exotic marine life.

6. Discovered by Arab Traders

Before becoming a popular tourist destination, Mauritius was an uninhabited island. According to historical records, Arab traders have stopped on this island since the 10th century and named it Dina Arobi.

Then in the 16th century, Portuguese sailors discovered the island, but they did not settle there. It was not until 1598 that the Dutch arrived and named the island Mauritius, after Prince Maurits van Nassau.

7. Sugar Producer for the British Empire

Mauritius has a long history in the sugarcane plantation industry. During the French colonial era, slaves from Africa were forced to work the sugar cane fields.

When the British captured Mauritius, modern agricultural technology from India was applied, making Mauritius one of the main suppliers of sugar to the British Empire. Until now, sugar is still one of the country’s largest export commodities.

8. Has the Third Largest Coral Reef in the World

Mauritius is surrounded by one of the largest coral reef ecosystems in the world, ranking third after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Belize Barrier Reef in the Caribbean.

The presence of these coral reefs makes Mauritius a perfect destination for snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Tourists can enjoy the underwater scenery rich in tropical fish, starfish, and turtles swimming freely among the corals.

9. Rich and Diverse Culture

As a country that was once colonized by the Dutch, French and British, Mauritius has a very unique cultural diversity. The population of Mauritius is a mixture of various ethnicities such as African, Indian, European and Chinese.

This diversity gave birth to a local language called Creole, which is a blend of French, English, Indian and African languages. Mauritius is also known as the only country in Africa where the majority of the population is Hindu.

Apart from Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are also practiced by the majority of the population of Mauritius, creating a unique social harmony in the country.

10. Played an Important Role in World War II

Mauritius has a military history that played an important role in World War II. Due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the British used Mauritius as a naval base to strengthen their defenses.

Apart from being a defense center, Mauritius is also used as an intelligence headquarters to monitor enemy movements in the surrounding waters. The British even built an air station on Mauritius to support their submarine operations during the war.

The island of Mauritius is not only famous for its natural beauty and stunning beaches, but also holds a variety of interesting historical and cultural stories.

From the illusion of underwater waterfalls to its role in World War II, Mauritius offers a unique experience that will never be forgotten.

So, if you are looking for a holiday destination that is not only beautiful but also full of interesting stories, Mauritius could be the right choice. Ready to explore the uniqueness of Clipperton Island?