Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, lagoons, and reefs. The capital city is Port Louis. With a population of about 1.3 million, it is a multicultural society with influences from Indian, African, European, and Chinese heritages. The official language is English, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Mauritius has a mixed developing economy based on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968 and is known for its stable democracy and vibrant culture. Key attractions include the Seven Coloured Earths, Le Morne Brabant, and Black River Gorges National Park.