Mauritius Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mascarene Islands

The Mascarene Islands are a group of islands off the coast in Africa which include Mauritius, Rodrigues, Reunion, Cargaods Carajos, and other island banks.

Each of these islands was formed from an underground volcano near the island of Reunion.

Answer: Moheli

Besides the three listed, there is also Black River, Grand Port, Moka, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, and Riviere du Rempart.

Moheli is one of the islands that make up the country of Comoros, another African country.

Answer: Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill

Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill is located on the western side of Mauritius, a little inland from the coast in the Plaines Wilhems District.

Answer: March 12th

Mauritius has had a long history of colonization from Arabs, Dutch, French, and British. On March 12th, 1968, Mauritius claimed independence from United Kingdom. March 12th is known as "National Day" in Mauritius.

Answer: Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire

Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire is the highest point, at 2710 feet. Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire is part of the Black River mountain range. Pieter Both and Le Pouce serves as the second and third highest points, respectively.

Answer: Red, blue, yellow, green

The flag for Mauritius was adopted on March 12, 1968. The four colors on the flag represent in order: bloodshed, the Indian Ocean, a new light on the country, and vegetation. When Mauritius was under British rule, the flag of Mauritius consisted of the Union Jack in the top-left corner, a blue background, and the national seal of Mauritius.

Answer: Oil

Oil is not one of the exports of Mauritius, but sugar is the "cash crop" for Mauritius. Sugarcane is grown on 90% of the arable land on Mauritius.

Answer: The Prince of Orange

Maurice of Nassau was the Prince of Orange from 1618 to 1625. Dutch explorers who were looking for new land named the island after him. The first name given to Mauritius was "Dina Harobi", an Arabic name from Arabs who first discovered the island prior to 1500.

Answer: Agalega Islands

Probably discovered in the 16th or 17th century, the Agalega Islands are a group of islands whose economy is based mostly on the exportation of coconut oil. The islands are not very big, with a land area of 70 squared kilometers and a population of 300. According to Wikipedia: "At one time, no coinage circulated on the islands; all payment was by government-issued vouchers and debited directly from the inhabitants' salaries".

Answer: Charles Darwin

The 812 meter point is said to have been first reached by famous scientist Charles Darwin. In his journal, Darwin writes "The scenery may be described as intermediate in character between that of the Galapagos and of Tahiti; but this will convey a definite idea to very few persons.

It is a very pleasant country, but it has not the charms of Tahiti, or the grandeur of Brazil. The next day I ascended La Pouce, a mountain so called from a thumb-like projection, which rises close behind the town to a height of 2,600 feet." The legend of the town says that he was the first person to climb the mountain. So as being one of the largest names in the scientific field, he was also an avid mountaineer.