The document provides details about the island country of Mauritius. It notes that Mauritius is located in the vast Indian Ocean and has a population of approximately 850,000 people. The island was originally inhabited by people of Chinese, Bihari, Dutch, Persian, Tamil, Arab, French, English, and Indian descent. Various European powers, including the Dutch, French, and British fought for control over Mauritius in the colonial era due to its strategic location for spices. The document describes some towns, landmarks, and natural features of Mauritius as well as the diversity of marine life found in its waters.