Portuguese Discovery

• Mauritius' history as a territory began with discovery of the Mascarenes Island in the 1500s by two Portuguese sailors, Domingo Fernandez Pereira and Don Pedro Mascarenhas. The latter sailor is credited with naming the area when he discovered three close islands: Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues.
  
  

Colonial Periods

• Mauritius history consists of four main historical periods: Dutch rule from 1598 to 1710; French rule from 1715 to 1810; British rule from 1810 to 1968; and self rule since 1968.
  
  

Self-Rule

• Although Mauritius proclaimed independence in 1968, it was not recognized as a self-ruling republic until 1992.
  
  

Modern Mauritian Culture

• Mauritius' culture developed through periods of slavery. The nation's "sega" dance became popular during this period. Indian and Chinese migrants, European nations and the country's African heritage also played a part in its modern culture.