Mauritius: Political background
Updated 2002
Mauritius was discovered by the Arabs in the tenth century but was not occupied by them. The Portuguese rediscovered it in 1505 and it was subsequently held by the Dutch, French and finally the British before attaining independence on March 12, 1968.
Before the arrival of the Europeans, Mauritius was unpopulated. This spared the island the conflict experienced in a number of southern African countries between the indigenous people and the settlers. In spite of this favourable circumstance the island is confronted with tensions between different communities.
Before independence from Britain was granted in 1968 Mauritian society and politics had been shaped to a large extent by ethnic conflicts between Hindu, Creole and Muslim communities.
Reference
Extracted from KADIMA, D 2000, Parliamentary elections 2000 - a report, EISA.
