Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island with a big story to tell! Imagine turquoise lagoons, coral reefs filled with colorful fish, and green sugarcane fields that sway in the warm breeze. The island was made by an ancient volcano, so you can see dramatic mountains like Le Morne and lush forests with waterfalls. Mauritius has many cultures working together: people speak English, French, and Mauritian Creole, and celebrate festivals from Hindu Diwali to Chinese New Year.

In Port Louis, the capital, kids can see bright markets, historic forts, and ships from long ago at the Blue Penny Museum. Mauritius is also home to sega music, played with drums and the ravanne, where everyone dances in a circle on the beach. Long ago, the dodo bird lived only here before it disappeared, and today Mauritians protect rare animals like the pink pigeon. With friendly people, delicious food like dholl puri and fresh pineapple, and a focus on caring for nature, Mauritius shows students how different cultures can live together on one beautiful island.