HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY MAURITIUS

Independence Day Mauritius is celebrated every year on March 12 in Mauritius. This day is a public
holiday across the island country of Mauritius when the people celebrate the anniversary of
Mauritius becoming an independent state under the Commonwealth.

Mauritius is officially known as the Republic of Mauritius and comprises four different islands —
Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega, and St. Brandon. The main island is Mauritius, and Port Louis, the
capital city, is located on the main island. The capital city is also the most populous city in this island
country.

Mauritius was first occupied by the Portuguese; however, the Portuguese were not happy to live on
the islands and soon abandoned them. Then the islands were occupied by the Dutch people, who
established settlements on them. However, the settlements weren’t profitable, and the Dutch soon
abandoned the islands.

After the Dutch, the French occupied the islands of Mauritius and brought enslaved people from
Africa and India to work on the plantations established on the islands. Later, during the Napoleonic
Wars, the British captured the islands, converting Mauritius into a plantation colony under the British
Empire.

Slavery was eventually abolished, but the British government brought indentured servants from
around the world to the islands to serve as labor on the plantations. After the World Wars, the
people of Mauritius were accorded universal suffrage. Over time, tensions grew on the island, and
Britain acknowledged the importance of giving up its former colonies. Mauritius adopted a new
constitution with a newly elected Prime Minister, while the English monarch remained the head of
state.

INDEPENDENCE DAY MAURITIUS TIMELINE

1500s

Mauritius is Inhabited by the Portuguese

Portuguese sailors arrive and occupy the islands of Mauritius and establish a visiting base.

1715

The French Take Control of Mauritius

France takes control of Mauritius, renames it Isle de France, and develops a sugar economy on the
islands.
1800s

Britain Rules Over Mauritius

The French surrender Mauritius to the British, and the island regains its original name.

1968

Mauritius Gains Independence

As part of Great Britain’s efforts to decolonize, Mauritius adopts a new constitution and elects a new
Prime Minister for its newly independent government.