Mau·ri·tius [ mə ríshəss ]island country in the southwestern Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, consisting of the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues and some islets. It became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1968 and a republic in 1992. Languages: English. Currency: Mauritian rupee. Capital: Port Louis. Population: 1,284,264 (2009 estimate).
Area: 2,040 sq km (788 sq mi) Official name Republic of Mauritius
