Geography of Mauritius

Mauritius is an archipelago nation which has around 115 islands. This country is officially known as Republic of Mauritius. This island nation is located on the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. This country is located 900 kms east of the Madagascar. The geography of Mauritius is interesting to the geographers as well as geologists and offers various things to study. Speaking about the geography of Mauritius, Mauritius is a part of the Mascarene Islands along with the Reunion Island and the Rodrigues island. This archipelago nation was formed after the undersea explosions or eruptions. Mauritius is located in the central plateau and its highest peak is the Piton De la Petite Riviere Noire. Pieter Both (823meters) and Le Pouce (812 meters) are other famous mountains here. This is located to the southwest of the island and is 828 meters in height. You will also find several other mountains as well as craters. Mauritius is an island of which is 1865 square kilometers in length and has a coastline of 330 kms. This country is entirely surrounded by coral reefs.

The climate of Mauritius is also an important part of the geography of Mauritius. The climate of Mauritius can be described as a tropical climate which is modified by southeast trade winds. You will also find that there is a warm, dry winter which starts from the month of May to November. Later on a hot, wet, and humid summer starts from November to May. Cyclones are an important feature of the climate of Mauritius. This feature of climate affects the country during the months of November-April. Anti-cyclones are known to affect the country during May to September.

Knowing more about the cities is also an important part of the geography of Mauritius. The capital city of Mauritius as well as the largest city of the country is Port Louis. This is situated in the northwest of the island. Some of the other popular towns in Mauritius are Quatre Bornes, Rose-Hill Curepipe, Vacoas, Phoenix and Beau-Bassin. This island is also known to the tourists for its natural beauty. Mauritius has been described as "gleaming pearls of paradise on the Indian Ocean". Author Mark Twain has described this place in his travelogue as "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius".

Natural resources are also an important part of the geography of Mauritius. Some of the major natural resources available here includes arable land and fish. Fish is one of the main export products found in this country. Fish exports help this country in earning foreign revenues and helps in the development of the country. Some of the natural hazards which Mauritius faces includes cyclones almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards. Some of the issues in terms of environment that Mauritius faces are water pollution as well as degradation of coral reefs.