Mauritius - History

The island was known to the Arabs in the 10th century. Discovered in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Padro Mascarena the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712), the French (1175-1810) and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 by the Treaty of Paris.

On March 12, 1968 Mauritius acceded to Independence. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.