•	Known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century
•	Regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world
•	Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968 (national celebration day is March 12)
•	Population of over 1,280,000 (2009)
•	Coastline of 177 kilometres and approximately 11 times the size of Washington, DC
•	GDP real growth rate of almost 6% (2008)
•	A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record
•	Ranks first among all countries in FDI inflows to India with cumulative inflows amounting to over U.S. $ 11 Billion
•	The government’s development strategy centres on creating vertical and horizontal cluster of developments in the following sectors: Sugar, Tourism & Transportation, Textiles & Apparel, Financial Services, Fish Processing, Date & Communication Technology, Hospitality & Property Development
•	Investment in the banks, financial institutions, financial services sector exceeds U.S. $1 Billion
•	Recipient in 2010 of over U.S. $700 Million investment by China for a special economic zone to service Beijing’s expansion in Africa
•	GDP: Services 70%; Industry 25%; Agriculture 5%
•	Has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities (many strategically targeting commerce in India, South Africa and China)
•	Capital (and largest city) is Port Louis
•	The Sir Seewoosagur Rgmgoolam International Airport is located in the south eastern part of the island approximately 48 kilometres from the capital (the Airport has 2 passenger terminals serving over 2 million passengers annually, 1 cargo terminal, services both regional and international airlines, and is the hub of Air Mauritius)