N, UN Security Council (temporary),
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Usha JEETAH

chancery: Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Mark W. ERWIN

embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US
mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, Department of State, Washington,
DC 20521-2450

telephone: [230] 208-2347, 208-2354, 208-9763 through 9767

FAX: [230] 208-9534

Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue,
yellow, and green

Mauritius Economy

Economy - overview: Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has
developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a
middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial,
financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual
growth has been in the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable
achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered
infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is
grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25%
of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on
foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 9,000 offshore
entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and
investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion.
Economic performance since 1991 has continued strong with solid
growth and low unemployment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $12.3 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 7.5% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,400 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10%

industry: 29%

services: 61% (1996)

Population below poverty line: 10.6% (1992 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.3% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 514,000 (1995)

Labor force - by occupation: construction and industry 36%, services
24%, agriculture and fishing 14%, trade, restaurants, hotels 16%,
transportation and communication 7%, finance 3% (1995)

Unemployment rate: 6.4% (1999 est.)

Budget: revenues: $1.1 billion