Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a state in North Africa. Common borders with Western Sahara – in the northwest, with Senegal – in the southwest, with Algeria – in the northeast, with Mali – in the south, east.
The capital is Nouakchott. The official language is Arabic, French. Religion – Islam. Currency – ouguiya.
The fauna of the country is represented by numerous reptiles and rodents, among predators you can meet a jackal, and in some areas large ungulates and ostriches have been preserved.
Resorts and attractions of Mauritania
In hot Africa, in its northwestern part, there is an exotic country called Mauritania. In its neighborhood are Senegal, Algeria, Mali and Western Sahara. In the west of Mauritania is the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Zipcodesexplorer, the climate of the country is truly tropical, mostly desert. Average annual precipitation hardly reaches 100 mm in the northern part and 200 mm in the south. There are no permanent rivers, except for the Senegal River along the southern border of the country.
Interesting facts
More than 60% of the country’s territory is occupied by rocky and sandy deserts of Western Sahara.
Climate
The climate of Mauritius is typical subtropical, but there is never a debilitating heat on the island: the southeast trade winds bring coolness to the shores of Mauritius all year round. Winter time, the period from October to May, is the ideal time to visit this country, but from February to May, heavy downpours are possible on the island – monsoons. However, such rains do not occur every year and usually last 2-3 days. In summer, from June to September, the air temperature in Mauritius is + 24-26 * C, which can be considered quite cool weather for the Southern Hemisphere. The water temperature throughout the year remains + 23-27 * C and is suitable for a full-fledged beach holiday. The climate of Mauritius is humid, quite a lot of precipitation falls here. The natural world of the country is striking in its splendor and diversity.
Culture
Mauritius is a real kaleidoscope of different cultures. Therefore, colorful festivals and holidays constantly occur in the life of the island, in which the entire population takes part. Tourists can not visit all of these events, but there are many spectacular processions and performances. Mauritius celebrates the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. This day is not complete without plentiful feasts and costumed processions through the streets with dragons and fireworks. In January, the South Indian festival of Kazadi is celebrated – the day of purification from bad deeds. On such a day, one can observe ritual ablutions and walking on burning coals, many religious performances and processions. Also in Mauritius, they celebrate the Night of Shiva – Shivaratri, which is accompanied by a pilgrimage of the islanders to the Grand Basen for ablution. The processions look very colorful. The Indian New Year and the festival that precedes it, Holi, is a joy for everyone. Old and young are happy to shower you with colored powder, they burn an effigy of Holiki on fires, then everyone celebrates the New Year with treats and joy. Mauritian Independence Day is celebrated with various official events: ceremonies, carnivals, processions, performances. The whole island celebrates the day of memory of the local Catholic saint – Jacques Desiree Laval, many visit his grave in Port Louis. The brightest holiday of late autumn, which is very interesting to see in Mauritius, is Diwali, Hindu holiday dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and the victory of light over darkness. Thousands of clay lamps with lights decorate the streets of Port Louis. This holiday is celebrated with pleasure by all the inhabitants of Mauritius. Catholic Christmas and all Muslim holidays are celebrated very widely and cheerfully.
Currency, banks, shops
The monetary unit in Mauritius is the Mauritanian rupee/MUR, which contains 100 sous. 1 USD is approximately equal to 30MUR. In circulation there are paper notes of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees, coins of 1, 5 and 10 rupees, as well as 5, 10, 20 and 50 sous. Small change coins are almost never used, but they are still plentiful in the province. Foreign currency exchange is unlimited, it can be done at any bank or hotel exchange offices, although banks are much more profitable in terms of exchange rates. The exchange of rupees for foreign currency is made only at the airport when leaving the country. American Express, Visa, Diner, Master Card and travelers checks are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and travel agencies. There are also ATMs everywhere. Banks are open from 9:15 to 15:00-15:30 on weekdays and from 9:15 to 11:15 on Saturdays.
Shops in Mauritius open at 9:00 and are open until 17:00 in the island’s capital, Port Louis, or are open from 10:00 to 18:00 in other cities on weekdays. On Saturdays, shops open later and are open from 12:00 to 17:00 in Port Louis, in other cities they are open longer. Supermarkets are also open on Sundays – from 9:00 to 12:00. Once a week (usually on a Thursday afternoon) Mauritian merchants take a half day off. In the capital, shops are closed on Saturdays, but all outlets on the Codan embankment are open until 18:00-19:30.
If you liked the service, you can leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the order amount. These tips are paid on top of the 15% tax that is levied on all hotel and restaurant services. This tax is non-refundable.
It is very profitable to buy jewelry in Mauritius, which are much cheaper than in Europe and Russia. Local textiles and pottery will be a wonderful reminder of your vacation, while carved wood and models of old sailboats will decorate your home. Cashmere, which costs less than in Europe, as well as rum, spices and tea will be wonderful gifts for your friends.
