Jeff owens
- 2. Religious Beliefs of Mauritius48% Hindu23% Roman Catholics17% Muslim9% Christian
- 3. HinduismPolytheistic Belief systemOne god in three different forms is worshipped, Lesser gods are also worshipped as are the wifes of BrahmanHindus pray at templesHindus meditate to trandscend their egosMeditation promotes open minedness and connection with oneself
- 4. HinduismHindus believe that most die and are reborn multiple times before reaching their final state. It is believed that one can only improve the quality of one’s next life by collecting good karma.Dawali, the festival of lights is celebrated to honor Lakshmi the goddess of wealth.
- 5. IslamMonotheisticBelieves in Prophets of Allah (God)Quran is holy book but respects all of the holy books (old and new testiment)Abstain from eating pork which is thought to be dirtyBelieves that alcohol will impair their relationship to Allah as a result drinking is forbidden
- 6. IslamSalat (prayer) is made five times is traditionally made five times a day.Prophet Muhammad is usually taught to be the final prophet and is recognized by many as a figure of Islam.Muslims who are financially able are expected to make Hajj which is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
- 7. ChristianityBelieves in the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost)Believes Jesus is the son of god born from the virgin MaryCelebrates Christmas to celebrate Jesus' BirthBelieves that Jesus was crucified and resurrected this is why Easter is celebrated
- 8. Roman CatholicismCatholics follow the pope who is the leader of The Catholic ChurchBelieves that after death god will decide based on who will go to heaven and hell based on actions in life.Belief in Purgatory which is the location where those who are not directly ready for heaven are to be punished and purified for entry into heaven.
- 9. HistoryIt is believed that Arabs were first to find MauritiusThe first documented visits to Mauritius by Europeans were in the early 16th centuryThe Dutch settled the Island in 1598Dutch left in 1710When the Dutch settled the island they brought slaves
- 10. History ContinuedIn 1715 the French occupied the island.In 1810 Britain possessed Mauritius bringing Indian workers with them, this is why Indian influence in Mauritius is so strong today.
- 11. TechnologySince the early 1990s Mauritius has been targeted as a leader in the regions technology.Recently the Mauritius government has voted to make information technology the fifth pillar of the Mauritius economy.
- 12. PoliticsThe majority of Prime Ministers in Mauritius have been Hindu.The president and vice president are voted by assembly for five year terms.Communal voting is usually the sole means of voting in the country
- 13. TechnologyMauritius is considered to be a more technologically advanced islands in the region.The Mauritius government is currently attempting to make technology the fifth pillar of the Mauritius economy, along with: sugar, textiles, financial services and tourism.
- 14. Political issuesMauritian politicians are often accused of focusing on money over the general welfare of the public.Mauritius has little female influence in government, a fact that worries some. Institutionalized Rascism is a common problem in Mauritius (It is signifigantly more difficult for a minority to be elected into office).
- 15. CuisineAs a result of being colonized by different nations Mauritius has taken the cuisine of different cultures, resulting in its own unique dishes.Mauritius food is usually a blend of Creole, Chinese, European and Indian cuisine.
- 16. CustomsWhen entering a temple (the Hindu place of worship) one is expected to take off one’s shoes.The majority of Mauritius citizens speak Mauritius which is an offshoot of Creole. The “sega” is a popular dance among the Mauritius people mainly done for enjoyment and recreation.
- 17. Racial TensionsMauritius is often commended for its general peace despite having such a variety of cultures.Maurtius once had an almost completely open door policy in terms of immigrations, granting three year permits to most.Now, many South Africans are being turned away by the government largely because their “skills are not needed”.
- 18. Culture in relationship to AmericaMany Mauritians are Hindu temples and other places of worship are common on the island.Whites and Christians are in the minority in Mauritius.In Mauritius rascism in politics is generally tolerated more then it is in the United States.
- 19. EconomyThe economy of Mauritius revolves mostly around the pillars of: Sugar, Technology, Textiles, Tourism and Financial servicesAfter gaining independence Mauritius had a high unemployment rate.In the 1980s as a result of declining inflation, good trade relations, domestic savings and high employment the country grew steadily.
- 20. EconomyLate in the 1980s the economy slowed again.With Current advances in technology and the modernization of different industries the Mauritius economy remains strong and is one of the leading financial systems in the region.