Not to be confused with the “Democratic Republic of Congo”, Congo has its capital city as Brazzaville. It is one of the most stunning countries in Central Africa. These interesting facts about Congo will help you better understand this lovely nation and all it has to offer.

Common Facts About Congo

Congo is formally known as the “Republic of Congo”, this country shares its river, border, and name with one of its neighbors, the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). It has a population of around 5.54 million people.

Congo is known for its rainforest, music, and stunning landscapes. Apart from its music and national parks, there are many facts about Congo that make it a popular travel destination.

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts On Congo

Pre-Colonial

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the present-day Republic of Congo was inhabited by several kingdoms. There were three major kingdoms in the region.

The earliest recorded kingdom was the Kongo from around 1000; the Loango Kingdom dominated the area in the 17th Century, and the Tio kingdom came after them.

Europeans (Portuguese) first landed in the area in 1482, and they forged a commercial relationship with the people of the different tribes within the country. The major trade was the slave trade.

Colonization

France was once the colonizer of the Republic of Congo. In 1880, the French took total control of Congo when Pierre Savorgan de Brazza, a Frenchman, and their colonial master, signed a treaty with the ruler of the Bateke tribe, Makoko.

After gaining control of the region, it was called French Congo; After 1905, it was called Middle Congo. In 1910, it became the colony of French Equatorial Africa after being merged with Ubangi-Shari and Gabon.

During their rule, the French abused the laborers leading to public outcry against them. This resulted in certain Congolese uprisings, but the French did not stop exploiting the workers until 1930.

During WW II, the colony allied with Chad, supporting the Free French cause against their colonial masters and fighting for their independence in the process.

Independence In Congo

After many years of back and forth with their colonial masters, the country became a republic on the 28th of November, 1958. But it only gained independence from France in 1960.

The national holiday in the Republic of Congo is the 30th of June.

Geographical Facts About Congo

Brazzaville

Brazzaville is one of the largest cities in the Republic of Congo. It is also the country’s capital city. Therefore, the Republic of Congo is often also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville.

Brazzaville is an urban city with bustling life, colorful arts, big markets, and cultural diversity. It is relatively safe compared to other African cities, but crime is still prevalent and you should practice common sense caution.

While strolling on the La Corniche (an 11km promenade), you may have a great view of the Congo River. Brazzaville have a total land area of 100 square km and house over a million of the country’s population.

Congo Basin Rainforest

Here is a cool fact about the Congo rainforest. It is the world’s second-largest rainforest in the world and covers at least 70% of the country’s land area.

Interestingly, the Congo rain forest extends beyond the country’s borders through to other neighboring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, CAR (Central African Republic), and Equatorial Guinea.

The Congo rainforest hosts rich and diverse flora and fauna. There are over 10,000 species of plants and animals inhabiting this rainforest. Some of the most popular animals include Elephants, Zebras, and mountain gorillas.

Last Eden On Earth

There are many interesting facts about Congo, and this one certainly stands out. It is no cliché to say the Republic of Congo houses the Last Eden on earth.

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in Congo is one of a kind. It is the only natural habitat on earth without any traces of human interference. Interestingly, global changes have not affected it as drastically.

Here you can witness majestic animals like hippos in their natural habitats. Because there is no human interference in Nouabale-Ndoki, it earned the title “last Eden on earth.”

Bonobo

If you are a fan of wildlife, this is another exciting Congo fact. It is the only country on earth with the unique Bonobo (specie of Chimpanzee).

The bonobos are rare and majestic. These beautiful creatures are viewed as the nearest relatives to human beings.

Mount Nabemba

Mount Nabemba, in the Sangha Department, about 40km from Souanke (a town in Congo), is the highest point in the republic of Congo. It has an elevation of about 120 meters above sea level and is a popular hiking destination in the country.

There is a well-known fun fact about Congo and Mount Nabemba. This mountain is actually the inspiration behind the highest tower in Congo, which also happens to be the highest tower in Central Africa. Nabemba tower was named after Mount Nabemba, the tower has about 30 floors and it has an elevation of 106 meters.

Cultural Fun Facts Of Congo

Food In Congo

It is safe to say fish is the most popular food in Congo. Congolese eat their fish in different forms, fried with olive oil, roasted, stewed, and baked.

Here is an insightful fact about Congo and its food scene, only Gabon (another central African country) consumes more fish than Congo in Africa.

Congolese have a special way of enjoying their fish. They bake it wrapped in banana leaves, lace it with citrus, and call it “liboke.” Be sure to try out some of the delicious foods in Congo if you visit.

UNESCO Creative City Of Music

One of the coolest facts about Congo-Brazzaville is that it was the first African country to be named a UNESCO creative city of music. Music is evidently a very important part of Congolese culture.

The Bakongo people are talented musicians and gifted the world with musical instruments like the Marimba (a tabletop wooden xylophone) and the Ngoma drums. They also developed music styles like rumba and soukous. 

The Pygmy Tribe

The country has a tribe who are known to be people of small stature. Amid all the tribes and civilizations in Congo, the Pygmy people are quite different. This is one of the facts about Congo that many will find interesting.

Typically, a Pygmy man has a maximum height of 4ft’10”, while a pygmy woman has a maximum height of 4 ft 1″. In many countries with such height, many may call you a dwarf, but that is the typical genetics of the Pygmy tribe.

The Pygmy tribe considers themselves forest people, as most of them inhabit the Congo rainforest. They also engage in hunting and gathering to make ends meet.

Economy In Congo

It is fair to say the agricultural sector in Congo-Brazzaville is developing. In 2021, agriculture contributed merely 4% of the country’s GDP. However, the country still has some major export cash products.

Congo ranks among the top 5 producers of oil and timber in Africa. The timber production can be credited to the country’s large rainforest. Sugarcane, tobacco, rice, and cotton are other modest cash crops produced in Congo.

Language And Religion

Because of their colonial masters, the official language in Congo-Brazzaville is French. However, other languages like Lingala and Kituba are widely spoken in the country.

The most dominant religion in the country is Christianity, with 87.1% of Congolese being Christians. 8% have no religion, 2.7% practice traditional beliefs, 1.2% practice Islam, and 1.0% have other religions.

Simple Congo Facts For Kids

Congo Land Area

Congo is not one of the biggest countries on the African continent. However, it is also not the smallest country in Africa. With a total area of 342,000 square km, Congo ranks 27th in Africa when it comes to land area.

Not many people have visited Africa, so to put things into perspective on a global scale, here is an interesting fact about Congo. Even though it is not one of Africa’s top 5 largest countries, it is still bigger than England (243,610 square Km) and Scotland (77,910 square km) combined.

Pointe Noire

This is the second largest city in Congo. It is also the Country’s economic hub. Pointe Noire is a coastal city; it houses some of the best beaches in Congo. Popular ones around the city include Côte Sauvage, Côte Mondaine, and La Baie de Loango.

The Republic Of Congo Is Not DRC

Here is a commonly mistaken fact about DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Republic of Congo. Many assume they are the same country because they share the same name.

That is another unique fact about Congo. We’ve heard of countries sharing similar flags and colors, but how often do you see countries sharing a name?

These two African countries are often distinguished by attaching their capital cities to them. As we mentioned, the Republic of Congo is also called Congo-Brazzaville. On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo is known more as Congo-Kinshasa.

Congolese

Just like citizens of the United States of America are called American, citizens of Congo are referred to as Congolese.

Climate In Congo

Here is another fact about the Republic of Congo that is worth knowing. The weather in the country is typically warm and humid throughout the year. This is ironic, considering Congo has a rainforest and a decent coastline.

Interesting Facts About River Congo

Deepest River In The World

River Congo is considered the deepest river in the world, with a depth of about 220 meters. In addition, it ranks as the second-largest river in the world by water discharge. It has a discharge rate of 41,000 cubic meters per second. It is one of the impressive facts about River Congo that many do not know.

The river flows between two countries, the Republic of Congo and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Named After A River

One of the fun facts about River Congo is how this natural feature has been named and involved in names historically. Although it is probably not surprising considering how prominent it is as a geographical landmark.

The Congo river makes up over 50% of the eastern border of the Republic of Congo, and the country was named after this river.

But where did the river get its name then?

The Bantu people named the river; they called it Kongo. Kongo was an ancient Bantu Kingdom that made the riverbank their dwelling. The people were known as Bakongo; in English, it means” hunters,” and their language was Kikongo. The River Congo was named after them.

Other Interesting Facts About Congo 

Big Country Small Population

Here is a republic of Congo fact that may seem surprising. The country’s population doesn’t reflect the size of the country.

The country’s population is relatively small compared to the total land area. About 5.54 million people are living within the boundaries of the Republic of Congo. Based on the population, it is the 36th most populated country in Africa.

Closest Capitals In The World

Did you know Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Kinshasa share the record of having the closest capitals in the world?

The two capitals sit on opposite sides of the Congo River. The distance between the two cities is estimated to be around 1 km. Kinshasa sits on the southern bank, while Brazzaville sits on the northern bank.

First African AI Research Center

The first African AI (artificial intelligence) center was launched in Congo-Brazzaville in 2022. Another related and interesting fact about Congo, it was the first African country to launch the first African-designed smartphones. This country is on its toes keeping up with technological developments.

The Republic Of Congo Flag

The Flag of Congo is a tricolor flag with green, yellow, and red. The three colors are divided diagonally. Here is an interesting fact about the Congo flag, although it has three colors, at the time of design, only two colors were given symbolic value.

The green represents the large and diverse rainforest in the country. The yellow symbolizes the people of Congo and their warmth. However, the red color has no significant meaning.

The three colors, though, are symbols of the Pan-African movement, and with them, the country can show its solidarity and stand with other African countries.

Discovering More Fun Facts About Congo

Although this is not the most popular travel destination, there are many interesting facts about Congo that provides a glimpse of what this country has to offer. From the deepest river in the world to being one of the first African countries to launch its own AI research center – there’s always something new to learn about this great nation.

Whether it be learning about its people or culture, discovering new inventions created by Congolese innovators, or simply appreciating its natural beauty from afar, delving into all that makes up the Republic of Congo will surely give a deeper understanding of what life looks like beyond our own borders.

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Libya is a nation in Africa’s Maghreb (North African Countries) area and is perhaps best known for its notorious tyrant leader Gaddafi. This country with ancient history also has the largest oil reserve in Africa. Aside from its oil and heritage, there are other interesting facts about Libya that show different sides of the country.

Common Facts About Libya

Libya, officially known as the “State of Libya,” is a famous African nation home to roughly 6.8 million people. This African treasure is known for having some historically fascinating ancient ruins as well as the world’s biggest desert.

Despite being a challenging destination to visit, there are many Libya facts worth knowing about with its mix of history and culture.

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts On Libya

Libya Is Over 1000 Years

It has been suggested that the first people to inhabit present-day Libya are the Berber (they are also known as the Amazigh) around 2000 BC.

The Berber people are famous for being one of the inhibitors and ancestors of many North African countries as they migrated throughout the continent of Africa.

After the Berbers, there were many empires there until the Romans took control of the region in 74 BC. With the existence of Tadrart Acacus rock art in Libya, there is proof that the land has been inhabited as far back as 12000 BC.

Libya Tie With The Bible

The Maghreb is a famous area where Islam spread rapidly, and to date, the region is Muslim dominated. However, did you know this fascinating fact about Libya? It actually has a long biblical history.

Simon of Cyrene (biblical figure) was famous for helping Jesus carry his cross, and St Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark (from the Bible) had good ties with Libya. St Mark was the founder of the Church of Alexandria in Egypt.

You may be wondering what their ties with Libya were. Well, present-day Libya used to be known as Cyrene. While St. Mark was the apostle and evangelist who traveled around North Africa spreading the Gospel.

Before 700 AD, Libya was ruled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and then Romans in that sequence. In some regions of the country, you can still find some of the ruins from those ancient civilizations.

Arabs invaded Libya after 700 AD, and that is when Islam started spreading throughout the nation.

Libya Independence

Between 1711 to 1835, Libya was a semi-independent province under the Ottoman Empire. It subsequently became an Italian colony from 1912 until 1947. After which, it continued under the Franco-British occupation.

The United Nations (UN) granted Libya independence in 1949; but due to the formalities, it only officially became independent on the 1st of January 1951. Its first and only king was Mohammed Idris (King Idris I).

First King In Libya

Here is a simple interesting fact about Libya. It was one of the first African countries to gain independence.

After independence in 1951, the country was overseen by a monarch in a monarchy system as opposed to a democratic rule. The constitution under the federal monarch of Libya made king Idris the ruler over Libya as its chief of state.

Kind Idris I was the first and only king of the monarchy. He was a conservative; hence he wasn’t loved by the people of Libya. Ultimately, he was overthrown in 1961 via coupe.

Muammar Gaddafi

That brings us to the next historical fact about Libya “Muammar Gaddafi.” Muammar Gaddafi was one of the most famous leaders on the African continent for many reasons. He led a bloodless coup that overthrow King Idris I.

From 1969 until 2011, Muammar Gaddafi controlled Libya for 42 years. He was seen as a revolutionary, yet many saw him as an authoritarian ruler. He was embroiled in a slew of scandals and propaganda.

Some of his major scandals included the prohibition of alcohol, the replacement of the Gregorian calendar with the Islamic calendar, the closure of Libyan American and British military bases, and the forcing of oil companies operating within the country to share the majority of their revenue with the country.

Geographical Facts About Libya

Waw A Namus

Did you know, there is an ancient volcano in the African country? This is one of the many interesting facts about Libya.

The volcano sits in the Libyan Sahara Desert however, there has been a debate as to how old the volcano is. But one thing is for sure it is either from the Pleistocene or Holocene age.

The volcano is quite unique as it carries black ash over 12 miles of the desert. Oddly, the caldera surrounding the volcano has small lakes and beautiful vegetation. That’s quite impressive for a desert that hardly experiences any kind of rainfall.

Ghadames

Ghadames is an ancient Oasis Berber town. It is in the northwest town of Libya about 463 km from the country’s capital city Tripoli. Named by the Berber Ghadames means “the pearl of the desert.”

At the time when it was built, only the Berber inhabited the region. It is considered one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities. The city also served as a refuge for the people. When the scorching desert sun becomes unbearable, travelers run to Ghadames to escape the sun.

Bīkkū Bīttī Peak (Picco Bette)

Bikku Bitti Peak also known as Picco Bette is the highest point in Libya. It is part of the mountain range sitting in the southern part of the country. The mountain extends into Chad as it resides on the border between both countries.

Picco Bette stands at an elevation of 2,267 meters above sea level. The first person to get to the peak of Bikku Bitti was Ginge Fullen in 2005. He was accompanied by his Chadian guides. Climbing the mountain was no easy feat because its location is difficult to access.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Here is a fun fact for kids about Libya. Due to its unique history, and different civilizations, there are many outstanding structures and monuments in Libya. Libya has 5 beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites within its boundaries. Leptis Magna, Cyrene, Tadrart Akakus, Sabratha, and Ghadames.

Cultural Fun Facts Of Libya

Libyan Tea

Here is an important fact about Libyan culture. Libyans love tea, tea is more than a beverage to Libyans it is also a tradition. Did you know Libyan tea is as thick as syrup? Cool right, I know.

In 2020, the total import of tea alone in Libya was over $40 million. The preparation of Libyan tea is like a cultural ritual, there are specific stainless utensils involved. The tea is served in small thick glass cups.

It is often made when family members gather. In some families, it has become a traditional Friday tea. The tea is thick due to the mixing of many tea leaves and a high concentration of sugar.

After mixing both ingredients, the tea is allowed to boil for at least 20 minutes. When it is ready, the tea is poured into small cups and allowed to foam; this foam is a distinctive characteristic of Libyan tea.

A tea session is usually accompanied by sweet Libyan desserts such as sfinz and basbousa.

Tribes And Ethnicity In Libya

Officially there are two major ethnic groups in Libya, Arabs (87%) and Berbers (10%), the remaining 3% are from other ethnic groups.

However, there are over 139 tribes in Libya. It may be farfetched to say it is a multicultural country but it sure has a diverse culture. The high number of tribes in the country serves as evidence of that.

Communal Living

Similar to India and some other countries, Libyans traditionally prefer to live in a communal style. They love to stay with their extended families; however, it is gradually evolving as younger couples prefer to live with their nuclear family.

Traditionally, Libyans have arranged marriages where the bride doesn’t know her husband and they only meet on their wedding day. In recent times, most couples in urban areas choose their spouse themselves although there are still arranged marriages in rural areas.

Warm Libyans

Libyans are known to be hospitable people. When they greet, they shake hands and maintain the handshake until they end the verbal greeting. It is important to note that when greeting across genders; men have to wait for the woman to initiate the handshake.

When they greet it is common to hear “Salaam aleikum” which means (peace be unto you), or you could hear “Sabbahakum Allah bi’l-khair” meaning (May Allah give you a good morning).

Afterward, they proceed to ask about families and personal health.

You can imagine that these may seem overly passionate for some from more reserved cultures, but this is the Libyans’ way of showing care.

Languages In Libya

The official language in Libya is Arabic, which is not a surprise considering the country is part of the Maghreb nations and a member of the Arab world. However, Arabic is not the only language spoken in Libya.

Because of the Italian and British influence on the country, Italian and English are some of the most spoken languages in Libya after Arabic.

Fascinating Libya Facts For Kids

Tripoli

Tripoli is the capital city of Libya located in the northeast of Libya; it is the largest city in the country, housing over 1.2 million of the population. It has a total land area of 1501 square km and an elevation of 81 meters.

Food In Libya

Because of the harsh climate, the agriculture sector of the country is not as productive. The lack of rainfall makes it impossible for crops to thrive, leading to poor food production.

As such, one insightful fact about food in Libya is that imports are necessary to feed more than 70% of the local food consumption.

Libya is not a self-sufficient country when it comes to food; they depend on goods from other countries to survive. We can say it is not a coincidence the country has a large reserve of oil.

Animals In Libya

However, not having enough green or durable agriculture in the country doesn’t mean a lack of interesting wildlife or animals in Libya. Did you know there are rare species of animals in Libya? The climate of the coastline in Libya actually makes it conducive for certain animals to live.

Some of the popular animals in Libya include dolphins, Marbled polecats, and Egyptian tortoises.

Mermaid Of Mediterranean

Did you know the Capital of Libya Tripoli, is known as the mermaid of the Mediterranean? That is because Tripoli has some amazing, whitewashed buildings and breathtaking turquoise waters. Sounds a tad bit like Santorini in Greece, doesn’t it?

Long Coastline

Libya is one of many African countries with beautiful shores, but did you know that Libya actually has the longest coastline of any Maghreb nation? The coastal area stretches 1770 km along the Mediterranean Sea.

Other Interesting Facts About Libya

The Sahara Desert In Libya

Here is a fact about Libya’s climate. The weather condition of the country is heavily influenced by the presence of the Sahara Desert within its boundaries.

Like most Maghreb regions, the Saharan desert takes up a significant portion of the Southern part of Libya. The region hosts a very dry and hot climate making it an uninhabitable area. In Ghat (southwest) region there’s an average rainfall of 0 (zero) per month all year round. If Ghat ever gets any rainfall, it comes as a downpour.

Largest Oil Reserve In Africa

Many see Nigeria as the country with the largest oil reserve on the African continent due to its prominence and popularity.

However, the country with the largest oil reserve in Africa is actually Libya. It is also the 9th largest oil reserve in the world. In 2019, the estimated reserve in Libya was approximately 48 billion barrels, that’s huge. This may come as a surprising fact about Libya for many, considering its economy.

The oil in Libya is quite good as it has low sulfur content. Also because of its Mediterranean coastline, it has good proximity to the European market. Interestingly oil is cheap in Libya as it cost a little over $1 per barrel.

Libya Ancient Greek Empire

Libya has experienced a great deal of civilization from different eras, most notably the Roman, Ottoman, and Greek civilizations. It is not a cliché to say that Libya is a crossroad of ancient civilizations.

The ancient Greek empire of Libya was based in Cyrene. Although an earthquake struck in 365 AD and destroyed the city, its ruins are still a beauty to behold. The site is one of the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites of Cyrene.

The empire was founded in 631 BC, it later became a Roman empire when the Romans took over the territory.

Libyan Flag

There is a rather interesting history and fact about Libya’s flag.

In 1977, after Muammar Gaddafi took reign of the country, he changed the country’s flag to just a plain green color as a way of asserting his authority and dominance.

When Gaddafi fell in 2011, the country’s original flag was restored. The original flag was a tricolor flag with red, black, and green representing the three regions of the country Tripolitania, Cyrenacia, and Fezza. The middle of the flag carries an image of a star and a Crescent representing Islam.

Drinking Water

One of the unfortunate facts about Libya is that more than 60% of the country’s population doesn’t have access to clean drinking water. The Libyan desert can go on a decade streak without witnessing any rainfall.

Discovering More Fun Facts About Libya

Libya usually comes up in the media for the wrong reasons, but there are many fascinating aspects of this country that are unknown to most. From Tripoli’s captivating turquoise waters to the Sahara Desert, the African country has its fair share of captivating landscapes. Featuring deep ancient history and traditional culture, there are plenty more interesting facts about Libya that are worth discovering and knowing about.

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Mauritius is an East African nation situated in the Indian Ocean. Despite its size, the country has some of the best white sand beaches in the world. However, beyond its pristine beaches, there are many fun facts about Mauritius that you should know.

Common Facts About Mauritius

Officially known as the “Republic of Mauritius,” this lovely African nation has a population of just under 1.3 million people.

Mauritius is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and intriguing history. It is a favorite honeymoon location and one of the world’s most tranquil countries. That said, there are numerous exciting Mauritius facts worth exploring.

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts On Mauritius

Uninhabitable Land

Did you know that before the three European powers (Dutch, French, and British) ruled over Mauritius, the Arabs and Portuguese had already been there?

In the 9th century AD, the Arabs first landed in Mauritius but they deemed it uninhabitable. However, they had a name for the island, they called it Dine Arobi.

After that, the Portuguese came around, they also concluded that it was uninhabitable. At the time only pirates and buccaneers were rampant there as they take their time on the Indian Ocean to unwind.

Named After A Prince

Mauritius is one of the very few countries named after a person. The Dutch were one of the many Europeans to land in present-day Mauritius. On their arrival, they claimed the Island Country and named it in honor of a Dutch prince from the 17th century, prince Maurits Van Nassau.

Different European Rule

You will find a lot of European influences within Mauritius, as the country has been through three separate European rulers.

The Dutch first took control of present-day Mauritius in 1638, giving the country its current name. They ruled over Mauritius until 1710 when the French arrived.

When the French took over, they renamed it Isle de France. The French rule did not last as the British invaded the country in 1810 to continue the power tussle.

After taking over, the British restored the original name “Mauritius.” They ruled the island country longer than the two countries before them.

Le Morne Brabant

This UNESCO world heritage site in Mauritius had a significant role in the country’s history. It served as a refuge for slave escape back in the 18th and 19th centuries. These escapees dominated the mountain and made it their settlement.

When slavery was abolished, soldiers went to Le Morne Brabant to inform the runaway slaves that they were free and no longer slaves.

However, some of the liberated slaves misunderstood their intention. They thought the soldiers came to drag them back to the sugar plantation they risked their lives to escape from.

Many of them jumped to their death, they felt that freedom in death was better than going back as slaves. This was one of the unfortunate historical facts of Mauritius. Although those who didn’t jump to their death returned as liberated individuals.

After Slavery Was Abolished, Indentured Labourers Arrived

When the British took control of Mauritius, they had a flourishing sugar plantation on the island. In 1835, the British abolished slavery in the country.

It looked like a rash decision at the time as they realized, without the slaves, they had nobody to work on their sugar plantations. As an alternative solution, they had to contract indentured laborers mostly from India.

This helps us understand why most Mauritius have a similar physical appearance and certain culture to the Indians. The laborers were contracted between 1834 and 1920. Within that period at least 500,000 indentured laborers were brought from India to Mauritius.

Useful Facts About Mauritius For Tourists

Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire

Also known as black river peak, this is an incredible mountain that offers an incredible nature experience for travelers. Hiking is one of the most fun activities to do in Mauritius, and the black river peak is a popular destination for that.

If you love tough adventures and you feel you are up to the task, you can access this mountaintop via the Black River Gorges National Park and Chamarel. This trail is considered the longest and toughest.

Alternatively, you can opt for the easier route of the Black River Peak hiking trail, it will take you about 90 minutes (1 and a half hours) to get to the peak. Regardless of your choice of trail, you’re sure to enjoy a great time in nature.

At the peak of the mountain is a resting area with different comfy benches painted with the color of the Mauritius national flag.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The island of Mauritius is known for having two of the world’s most historic UNESCO world heritage sites, Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Brabant. These two landmarks are testimonies to the country’s rich history.

Aapravasi Ghat can be spotted on the bay of Port Louis on the Indian ocean. It served as an immigration office of the colonial British of Mauritius.

Le Morne Brabant is a Basaltic Mountain on the extreme easternmost part of the Indian Ocean. It stands at about 555 meters above sea level, and a beauty to behold.

Most Visited Island

How about this for an incredible fact about Mauritius? Considering we have many beautiful islands in the Caribbean, it makes for an interesting read that Mauritius is one of the most visited islands in the world.

The country has won the award of the world’s leading island destination at least 3 times. For many travel enthusiasts, the island of Mauritius has been pinned as an exceptional honeymoon destination.

Due to this reason, Mauritius ranks high as one of the most visited countries in Africa. When planning your next African travel bucket list, make sure to include Mauritius.

Underwater Waterfall In Mauritius

Here is an exciting fact about Mauritius, it is one of the very few countries with an underwater waterfall. Yeah! You heard right – underwater waterfall, hard to believe right? You can travel to Mauritius to witness this wonder for yourself.

The waterfall is technically an illusion underneath the water. Looking from the top you have an image that looks like the whole island is being sucked through a drain. On the shore of the Ocean, you can see the sand and silt that forms this waterfall.

You may be wondering if it’s safe to swim around this underwater waterfall, which is one of the most fun activities to do in Mauritius.

Surrounded By Coral Reefs

One of the lesser-known facts about Mauritius is that the country houses the third-largest coral reef in the world. Mauritius is surrounded by lagoons, and interestingly these lagoons are protected by coral reefs.

These reefs help protect the country’s amazing white sand beaches from sharks and jellyfish. It is no surprise that some of the most interesting activities to do in Mauritius include scuba diving and snorkeling.

Multiple Climate In Mauritius

Mauritius experiences multiple climates throughout the country all year round. Some of the climatic conditions in Mauritius include tropical climate, subtropical climate, and maritime climate.

The cyclone season happens between January and March in some years, and the south-east trade winds usually appear between March and November.

Here is a bonus Mauritius fact for travelers. The best time to visit this beautiful island country is between May to December.

Cultural Facts About Mauritius

Dholl Puri The National Dish

It is fair to say that Mauritian cuisine is a perfect multicultural blend. Due to its rich history, Mauritius cuisine has a blend of Indian, African, Chinees, and French influences.

Because of the unique location of this Island nation fruits and sea foods are ever present in Mauritius dishes.

However, the most popular and national dish in Mauritius is dholl puri, it is a pancake-style dish made with split peas, cumin, and turmeric. It is often stuffed with ingredients like curry and butter beans, usually, dholl puri is served with mango chutney and chilies.

More Women Than Men

Here is one interesting fact about Mauritius, it is one of the few countries in the world where they have more population of women than men.

As of 2022, there are 97 men for every 100 women, which makes for a good reading. It gives Mauritius a healthy gender ratio.

Religion In Mauritius

The country’s constitution did not place any embargo on religious practices in Mauritius. Citizens of the country have the freedom to practice whatever religion they like.

Religious diversity is one of the interesting facts about Mauritius. It is the only African country with Hinduism as its major religion.

At least 45% of Mauritius citizens practice Hinduism. 26.3% practices Christianity majorly Roman Catholics, and 17.3% are Muslim. Those are the 3 most prominent religions however, there are other religions practiced in Mauritius.

No Official Language

How about this for a fun fact about Mauritius? A country with many European rulers with no official language. Although English is one of the most spoken languages in the country, this island country has no official language. French is also widely spoken in the country.

The lingua franca of the Mauritius people is Creola (a French dialect). Despite the fact English and French are wildly spoken in Mauritius, there is no recognized official language in the country.

Festivals In Mauritius

If you are one for the culture and tradition, you can never go wrong with Mauritius. All year round in this island country, there is one festival or another to celebrate.

Some of the most popular festivals in Mauritius include Christmas. Chinese Spring Festival, Easter, Cavadee, and Holi among many other celebrations.

Dressing In Mauritius

Here is a funny fact about Mauritians. Because of their mode of dressing, many often mistake them for Indians. And you can’t be faulted for making a similar mistake.

Most Mauritians dress like Indians (wearing saris and churidaars) and have a similar facial appearance to Indians. To cap it all, Hinduism is the dominant religion in the country.

Saris and churidaars are an important part of the Mauritian culture. However, many still dress like westerners because of the influence of their colonial masters. Some wear saris on special occasions while some make it an everyday attire.

Football The National Sport

Football (soccer) is the national sport in Mauritius. Although that is not the only sport played in the country it is the most popular. Badminton, handball, basketball, and winter horse racing are some of the other activities enjoyed by Mauritians.

The Mauritius men’s national team is nicknamed Club M and Les Dodos (referencing the extinct dodo birds). However, they are not one of the football powerhouses on the African continent.

Their most notable achievement as a country was qualifying for the 1974 AFCON (African cup of Nations). That is not to say they have no trophies in their cabinet. Mauritius has won the Indian Ocean Island Games football tournament twice (1985 and 2003), and they were also finalists three times in the same competition (1990, 2011, and 2019).

Simple Mauritius Facts For Kids

Mauritius Independence

Mauritius gained independence from the British on the 12th of March 1968. It became a member of the Commonwealth nations. The first Prime Minister of Mauritius is Seewoosagur Ramgoola.

Capital – Port Louis

Port Louis is the largest and most beautiful city in Mauritius. It is also the capital city of this island nation. It has a total land area of 46.7 square km, and it houses over 10% of the country’s population.

Highest Point In Mauritius

The highest point in the country is the Black River peak. It has an elevation of about 828 meters above sea level. The Black River Peak is one of the 3 different mountain ranges in the country.

High Literacy Rate

Here is a fun fact about Mauritius for kids, it is the country with the highest literacy rate on the African continent. At least 90% of the population in Mauritius is at the literacy level.

With that, the country has a good life expectancy, with an average of 75 years. This is enough to put Mauritius as one of the nations with the highest life expectancies in Africa.

Mauritius Landscape

The island of Mauritius has some beautiful landscapes from small coastal plains to discontinuous mountains. The country is enveloped by a ring of a mountain range, which can be attributed to volcanoes, waterfalls, forests, and rivers.

Other Interesting Facts About Mauritius

Flag Of Mauritius

Mauritius flag is a beautiful four-colored flag, it is best known as the four bands or Les Quatre Bandes. It has four horizontal stripes of red, blue, yellow, and green. And like every other flag, all colors have their meaning.

Red represents the struggle for freedom, blues represent the Indian ocean, yellow represents the new dawn of independence, and the green represents agriculture and the greenness of the country all year round.

Peaceful Country

The nation ranks high on the list of peaceful countries in the world. That’s a cool fact about Mauritius. In 2017 it was tied with Botswana, Chile, Uruguay, Chile, and Botswana as the peaceful countries in the world. At the time there was no record of international or domestic conflicts.

Due to the rise in the number of homicides (from 1.8 to 2.9 per 100,000 people), it ranks as the 28th most peaceful country in the world. It still ranks 1st on the African continent. The closest is Ghana, which happens to be 40th on the world rank.

No Standing Army In Mauritius

That said, because of how peaceful the country is, they have no army. This is a fact about Mauritius you don’t often associate with African countries.

Security in Mauritius is provided by the police. And there are approximately only 10,000 police in Mauritius.

Fascinating Facts About Mauritius

Free Public Transportation

It is not a cliché when we say Mauritius is one of the most unique countries on the African continent. Here’s a thoughtful and interesting Mauritius fact. There are free public transports in Mauritius for students, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Students can commute from their homes to school free (On school days) on the Metro Express if they can provide their MECard. The disabled and pensioners can travel free without restriction as long as they can provide their concessionary pass or their free bus pass.

This law was passed in 2005 by the then-prime minister Dr. Beebeejuan. It makes Mauritius a special country in Africa.

Dodo The Extinct Specie

Here is a piece of important information about Mauritius and its wildlife ecosystem.

Before the dodo birds went into extinction, they could only be spotted on the island of Mauritius. If you have never heard of the dodo bird well, remember those big birds in the movie “Alice in Wonderland”? Yes, that’s a dodo.

Its extinction was quick and quiet. It was first recorded in 1589. Dutch sailors at the time described the dodo as the “flightless bird.”  The last mention of the dodo was in 1662. There are a few skeletons and relics of this bird around the world however, just little is known about this bird.

Dodo went into extinction a few centuries ago, but there is more information about dinosaurs than the dodo.

Highest Population Density In Africa

With an approximate population of 1.28 million people and a land area of 2040 square km, Mauritius is the most densely populated country in Africa.

In fact, only 5 countries/ cities in the world (Singapore, Monaco, Bahrain, Malta, and Bangladesh) are more densely populated than Mauritius.

In Mauritius, you have a density of around 1,300 people per 2.6 square Km.

Cultural Diversity

Close to 70% of the country’s population has an Indo-Pakistani origin. Majorly descendants of the British indentured laborers. Around 20% are of Creole (an Afro-French dialect) ancestry while the remaining (%) are either Chinese or Franco-Mauritian Descent.

The Island Of Mauritius

The whole country of Mauritius actually encompasses a merger of more than one island. However, the most famous of the islands is Mauritius.

The merged islands include Mauritius (the main Island), Rodrigues, and other outer islands Agalega, and Cargados Carajos Sholas islands.

Mauritius is claiming the Chagos archipelago on the country’s northwest, but Britain disagrees with that.

Important Trade Route

Before the emergence of the Suez Canal some 154 years ago (in 1869), Mauritius served as an influential base for businesspeople and countries trading across Europe and the East.

It was no surprise that the French and British had multiple fights and conflicts over the ownership of Mauritius in the Napoleonic era.

Discovering More Fun Facts About Mauritius

These are just some fascinating facts about Mauritius that demonstrate the complexity of its culture. Despite its small size and relative obscurity in comparison to other countries, it is full of incredible stories and offerings that are attractive to travelers.

From the beautiful beaches to incredible landscapes and interesting traditions, this is definitely one destination to explore. You are sure to uncover even more fun facts about Mauritius when you visit.

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