Marvelous Mauritius in Ten Words Quiz

Answer: Popular dish

Dholl Puri is the national dish of Mauritius. It is a popular street food made of thin flatbread filled with a mixture of seasoned yellow split peas (dholl). The flatbread is folded over and cooked on a griddle, resulting in a tasty snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

It is usually served with chutneys, pickles and sometimes additional curries as accompaniments. Dholl Puri reflects the diverse culinary influences in Mauritius as it combines Indian, Creole and other flavours.

Answer: National language

Morisien, also known as Mauritian Creole, has evolved over the centuries as a dynamic creole language with influences from African, European, Indian and other Asian languages. The French influence is particularly evident in the vocabulary and grammatical structure of Morisien. It's important to note, however, that Morisien is not simply a dialect of French, but a language in its own right with its own characteristics.

Morisien plays an important role in everyday communication among Mauritians. It is spoken by people from all walks of life and is used in a variety of settings, from informal conversations in local markets to more formal interactions. The language has become an integral part of the cultural identity of the Mauritian people.

Mauritius is known for its multilingual society, where people often switch between Morisien, French, English and other languages depending on the context. Morisien serves as a bridge that brings together people from different linguistic backgrounds. Although there is a standardised written form of Morisien, it is primarily an oral language.

Answer: First President

Veerasamy Ringadoo (1920-2000) was a political figure in Mauritius who served as the first President of Mauritius. Born on 5 February 1920 in Port Louis, Ringadoo played a prominent role in the political landscape of the country.

He was appointed Governor-General of Mauritius when the country gained independence from British rule in 1968. Later, when Mauritius became a republic in 1992, Ringadoo became the first President of Mauritius, serving from 12 March 1992 to 30 June 2002. Veerasamy Ringadoo's tenure as President marked a significant period in the history of Mauritius as it transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.

Answer: Extinct bird

An endearing and iconic symbol of Mauritius, the dodo is a flightless bird that tragically became extinct in the late 17th century. Native to the island, the dodo (scientifically known as Raphus cucullatus) was a pigeon-like bird characterised by its plump body, short wings and distinctive hooked beak.

The demise of the dodo is closely linked to human activity. The arrival of Dutch sailors in the 16th century, along with other settlers and introduced species, severely disrupted the dodo's natural habitat and food sources. The bird, which had no natural predators before humans arrived, became an easy target for hunting. The combination of habitat loss and hunting eventually led to the extinction of the dodo by the end of the 17th century.

Answer: Island group

Agalega is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and is part of the Republic of Mauritius. The Agalega Islands consist of the North and South Islands and several islets. The islands are located approximately 1,100 kilometres (680 miles) north of the main island of Mauritius. The islands are known for their coral reefs, white sandy beaches and lush vegetation.

Agalega is an Outer Island of Mauritius and is administered by the Outer Islands Development Corporation (OIDC). The islands are sparsely populated. The population is mainly engaged in activities such as fishing and copra production. Historically, Agalega has had military significance and there have been military installations on the islands. Agalega's strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it of interest for defence purposes.

Agalega is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life and the coral reefs contribute to the ecological diversity of the region. Coconut plantations, particularly for the production of copra, have been an economic activity on Agalega. Copra, the dried kernel of the coconut, is used to extract coconut oil.

Answer: Central district

Moka is a district located in the central part of the island of Mauritius. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, combining lush greenery, mountains and residential areas. Moka is characterised by its elevated terrain, nestled between hills and mountains. The district offers stunning views of the central plateau and surrounding areas.

The district is home to Cybercity Ebene, a prominent business and technology centre, and the University of Mauritius. The presence of these institutions has contributed to Moka's status as an educational and business centre. Moka is also historically significant with sites such as Eureka House, a well-preserved colonial mansion that offers a glimpse into Mauritius' past.

Answer: Traditional dance

Sega is a lively dance accompanied by vibrant music that holds a special place in the cultural heart of Mauritius. It is a dynamic expression of the island's diverse heritage, blending African, Indian and European influences to create a unique and captivating performance.

The dance involves rhythmic movements of the hips and feet, creating a mesmerising and joyful spectacle. The dancers wear colourful costumes, adding to the visual richness of the performance. The music accompanying Sega is equally enchanting, using traditional instruments such as the ravanne, maravanne and triangle. Sega songs often tell stories of love, everyday life and the history of Mauritius.

Answer: Capital city

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is located on the northwest coast of the island. It is the economic and commercial centre of Mauritius. The city is home to the country's main port and is a major hub for trade, commerce and finance.

Port Louis has several historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the island's past. The Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an immigration depot symbolising the arrival of indentured labourers. Fort Adelaide Citadel offers a panoramic view of the city. Le Caudan Waterfront is a major attraction in Port Louis. It offers a mix of shopping complexes, restaurants, theatres and entertainment. The Waterfront is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The city is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the diverse ethnic make-up of Mauritius. Visitors can experience a rich tapestry of traditions, languages and cuisines. The bustling Central Market is a vibrant showcase of local life. Shoppers can browse stalls selling fresh produce, spices, textiles and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the colours and flavours of Mauritius.

Visitors can also relax in the city's public gardens, such as the Jardin de la Compagnie and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, which provide green spaces amidst the urban landscape.

Answer: First Prime Minister

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1900-1985) was an important political leader in Mauritius and a key figure in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He served as the first Chief Minister (1961-1968) and then became the first Prime Minister of Mauritius after independence in 1968.

Ramgoolam played a crucial role in negotiating with the British government for Mauritius' independence. The country officially became independent on 12 March 1968. He is often referred to in Mauritius as the 'Father of the Nation' for his instrumental role in shaping the early political landscape of the newly independent nation.

The airport in Mauritius has been named "Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport" in his honour.

Answer: National currency

The Mauritian Rupee is the official currency of Mauritius and plays an important role in the country's economic transactions and financial activities. The currency code for the Mauritian Rupee is MUR and its symbol is Rs. The symbol is often used to denote prices and amounts in Mauritius.

One rupee is equal to 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rupees. Each banknote features unique designs, security features and images that represent different facets of the country.

Coins are issued in a range of denominations including 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 5 and 10 rupees. These coins have distinctive designs and symbols, often reflecting aspects of Mauritius' culture, history or natural heritage.

The Bank of Mauritius, established in 1967, is responsible for issuing and regulating the circulation of banknotes and coins.