Mauritius

Jeff Owens

Religious Beliefs of Mauritius

• 48% Hindu• 23% Roman Catholics• 17% Muslim• 9% Christian

Hinduism

• Polytheistic Belief system• One god in three different forms is

worshipped, Lesser gods are also worshipped as are the wifes of Brahman

• Hindus pray at temples• Hindus meditate to trandscend their egos• Meditation promotes open minedness and

connection with oneself

Hinduism

• Hindus 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.

Islam

• Monotheistic• Believes 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 dirty• Believes that alcohol will impair their

relationship to Allah as a result drinking is forbidden

Islam

• Salat (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.

Christianity

• Believes in the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost)

• Believes Jesus is the son of god born from the virgin Mary

• Celebrates Christmas to celebrate Jesus' Birth

• Believes that Jesus was crucified and resurrected this is why Easter is celebrated

Roman Catholicism

• Catholics follow the pope who is the leader of The Catholic Church

• Believes 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.

History

• It is believed that Arabs were first to find Mauritius

• The first documented visits to Mauritius by Europeans were in the early 16th century

• The Dutch settled the Island in 1598• Dutch left in 1710• When the Dutch settled the island they

brought slaves

History Continued

• In 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.

Technology

• Since 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.

Politics

• The 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

Technology

• Mauritius 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.

Political issues

• Mauritian 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).

Cuisine

• As 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.

Customs

• When 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.

Racial Tensions

• Mauritius 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”.

Culture in relationship to America

• Many 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.

Economy

• The economy of Mauritius revolves mostly around the pillars of: Sugar, Technology, Textiles, Tourism and Financial services

• After 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.

Economy

• Late 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.

Websites used

• Google.com• http://guest.portaportal.com/mmebrady• http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/telcomit• http://www.quatre-bornes.com/mauritius/ra

cism/racial-issues-growing-discreetly-but-growing-strong-in-marutius/

• http://www.travelmauritius.info/history.html

Websites Used

• http://www.travelmauritius.info/history.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad• http://www.angelfire.com/pro2/compare_re

ligions222/hindu_belief_of_the_afterlife.htm

• http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture

• http://www.deathreference.com/Ho-Ka/Islam.html

Websites Used

• http://countrystudies.us/mauritius/15.htm• http://www.lematinal.com/mobile/economie

/9735-Mauritiuss-economy-the-12th-freest-in-2011.html

• http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/christianity/major.html

• http://www.ancient-future.net/basics.html• http://countrystudies.us/mauritius/24.htm