Every year on March 12th, the people of Mauritius commemorate Independence Day, a national holiday that marks the country's official attainment of independence from British rule in 1968. This day is a moment of great pride, unity, and reflection for all Mauritians, signifying the dawn of a new era of self-governance and national identity.
The national flag of Mauritius, featuring four horizontal stripes of red, blue, yellow, and green.
Historical Context: From Colonial Rule to Independence
Mauritius, located about 1,000 miles east of Madagascar, has a history unlike any other nation on earth. The history of Mauritius begins with its possible, though undocumented, discovery by Austronesians under the Austronesian expansion from pre-Han Taiwan, circa 1500 to 1000 BC, and then controversially by Arabs, as documented on Portuguese maps, followed by Portuguese and its appearance on European maps in the early 16th century. It quickly became a coveted jewel for European colonial powers.
The island was first officially discovered by the Portuguese. This is evident in the earliest existing historical evidence of the island on the Cantino Planisphere, which shows three islands that represent the Mascarenes (Réunion, Mauritius and Rodrigues) and calls them Dina Margabin, Dina Arobi, and Dina Moraze. Mauritius was later rediscovered and visited by the Portuguese between 1507 and 1513.
The Dutch, French, and British, drawn by its strategic location and natural resources, left indelible marks on its landscape and people. The Dutch colonization started in 1638 and ended in 1710. Abandoned by the Dutch, the island became a French colony when, in September 1715, Guillaume Dufresne d'Arsel landed and took possession of this port of call on the route to India. He named the island "Isle de France". By the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the "Isle de France", which was renamed "Mauritius" was ceded to Great Britain, together with Rodrigues and the Seychelles.
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The echoes of colonial suffering, particularly under the sugar cane plantation economy, are a sorrowful chapter in Mauritian history.
The independence process was the culmination of a long struggle involving a number of political parties. In 1960, Harold Macmillan had made his famous "Wind of Change Speech" in the Parliament of South Africa in Cape Town in which he acknowledged that the best option for Britain was to give complete independence to its colonies. In 1959, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan had given his famous 'Winds of Change' speech, stating the British government's intention to give independence to many of its overseas colonies. This led to an increasing call within Mauritius for self-rule.
The General Election was held in 1967 with the pro-independence coalition of political parties winning 54% of the vote. Following the 1967 election the Mauritian government was formed and passed an independence bill in the Mauritian Parliament. The elections of 1966 resulted in a victory for an alliance of the Mauritius Labour Party and other self-rule parties.
On 12 March 1968, Mauritius officially gained independence from British rule, marking a new era of self-governance and national identity. On March 12th 1968, Mauritius adopted its new constitution and gained independence as a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II remained head of state and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan became the first Prime Minister of Mauritius.
Mauritius experienced a period of instability in the days running up to the declaration resulting in the 1968 Mauritian riots before order was restored by the British authorities.
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After a period of political repression in the 1970s and 1980s, the government was reestablished as a republic on March 12, 1992. Exactly twenty-four years later, on March 12th 1992, Mauritius was proclaimed as a republic within the British Commonwealth.
Prior to independence the British government detached the Chagos Archipelago from the Mauritius' administrative boundaries and established as a new British territory in the form of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and paid GB£3 million (roughly equivalent to £148.7 million in 2022) to Mauritius in compensation. Prior to this the archipelago was officially within the colonial era boundaries of Mauritius. This was done to allow the United States to build a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago.
The Role of Key Figures
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, played a pivotal role in leading Mauritius towards independence, advocating for unity and prosperity. The island was first colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century, and later by the French in the 18th century. The struggle for independence in Mauritius began in the 1930s, with the formation of political parties and the demand for greater representation in the colonial government. This struggle was led by prominent figures such as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Guy Rozemont, who fought tirelessly for the rights of the Mauritian people.
In 1948, the Mauritian Labour Party was founded by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, and it became the dominant political force in the country. The party's campaign for independence gained momentum in the 1960s, and in 1968, Mauritius finally gained its independence.
Celebrating Independence Day: A Fusion of Culture and Harmony
National Day in Mauritius is a spectacular display of the country’s cultural wealth and communal harmony. The day is commemorated with the raising of the national flag, parades, and cultural performances that blend African rhythms, Indian melodies, Chinese dances, and European music, reflecting the nation’s multicultural identity. Watch the celebrations and join the festivities with the Mauritian people on this day.
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To mark National Day, Mauritians will show their pride in their nation by displaying their colourful flag across the island.
Today, Independence Day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and flag-raising ceremonies across the country. Independence Day is not only a celebration of Mauritius' freedom from colonial rule but also a celebration of the country's culture, traditions, and heritage. It is a time for the people of Mauritius to come together, reflect on their past, and look forward to a brighter future.
The natural beauty of Mauritius is a source of national pride.
Mauritius Today: A Nation Forged in Diversity
One of Mauritius’ greatest strengths lies in its cultural diversity. Our island is home to people of various ethnicities, languages and traditions, coexisting harmoniously and contributing to the nation’s unique identity.
Over the past decades, Mauritius has witnessed incredible progress in various sectors, from Tourism and Finance to Technology and Environmental Sustainability. Our education and healthcare systems continue to improve, while infrastructural developments pave the way for a brighter future.
According to the Global Peace Index, Mauritius is the most peaceful African country as of 2019. Hinduism is the most practiced religion; Mauritius is highly diverse in faith and religious practices and is the only African country where Hinduism is the most practiced religion.
The government of Mauritius provides its citizens with universal healthcare, free education, and free public transportation. Soccer is the most popular sport and the national soccer team of Mauritius is known as The Dodos.
As we celebrate Independence Day, it is essential to reflect on the values that define us-unity, hard work, and perseverance. Let us proudly raise our flag, honour our past and look forward to a future filled with promise and opportunity.
Quick Facts About Mauritius
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar |
| Capital | Port Louis |
| Independence Day | March 12 |
| Former Colonial Powers | Dutch, French, British |
| Most Peaceful African Country | According to the Global Peace Index 2019 |
| Most Practiced Religion | Hinduism |
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