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Mauritius |
Perhaps less well known than its most famous former resident, the dodo, Mauritius is actually one of the most highly developed countries in Africa. The growth of tourism in the 21st century resulted in an economic windfall for the island. This prosperity, combined with decades of political stability, has resulted in high levels of human development.
The country has a reputation for good governance and has been rated as the best governed country in Africa by the Ibrahim Foundation. Despite this, however, certain sectors of society still suffer from discrimination, poverty and human rights infringements.
The Facts
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Capital: Port Louis
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Major religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
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Main Languages: English and French (both official), Creole, Indian languages
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Key exports: sugar, clothing, tea, jewellery
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Government: Social Alliance
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Prime Minister: Navin Ramgoolam
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Most recent National Assembly election: 2010
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Next scheduled National Assembly election: 2015
The Figures
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HIV prevalence: 1.7% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%)
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Adult literacy rate: 87% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%)
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GDP per capita: US$13,101 (UK: US$34,340)
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Life expectancy at birth: 72 years (UK: 80 years)
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Under-five mortality rate: 17 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births)
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2010 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 169 countries): 72
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