Republic of Mauritius

Political Status: Constitutional monarchy under multiparty parliamentary system established upon independence within the Commonwealth on March 12, 1968; became a republic on March 12, 1992.

Area: 790 sq. mi. (2,045 sq. km).

Population: 1,332,432 (2012E—UN); 1,313,095 (2012E—U.S. Census).

Major Urban Centers (2005E): PORT LOUIS (151,000), Beau Bassin/Rose Hill (109,000), Vacoas-Phoenix (107,000), Curepipe (84,000), Quatre Bornes (81,000).

Official Language: English (French is also used, while Creole is the lingua franca and Hindi the most widely spoken).

Monetary Unit: Mauritian rupee (official rate November 5, 2012: 31.50 rupees = $1US).

President: Rajkeswur PURRYAG (Mauritius Labour Party); elected by the National Assembly on July 20, 2012, for a five-year term, to succeed acting president Monique Ohsan BELLEPEAU after Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (Mauritian Socialist Movement) resigned on March 31, 2012.

Vice President: Monique Ohsan ...