Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. It is the largest city of the country and main port, which borders the Indian Ocean. It is located in the Port Louis District. The population of the administrative district was estimated at 128,483, and the urban area at 148,416 in December 2010.
Port Louis was already in use as a harbor in 1638. In 1735, under French government, it became the administrative center of Mauritius and a major reprovisioning halt for French ships travelling around the Cape of Good Hope. The Port is named in honour of King Louis XV. The first Governor was Count Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais.
The population of the city is now largely made up of the descendants of laborers who were hired for labour from India in the 19th century. Slaves were previously introduced by the British and French who colonized the island in the 18th century. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, many Indian and Chinese workers were brought to work the land, and cultivate sugar cane, at that time used to produce rum. The Immigration Depot in Port Louis is a World Heritage Site commemorating this great migration.
The economy is dominated by its port, which handles Mauritius’ international trade. The port was founded by the French who preferred Port Louis as the City is shielded by the Port Louis/Moka mountain range. It is the largest container handling facility in the Indian Ocean and can accommodate fourth and fifth generation container vessels. At present, only Cape Town and Port Louis can achieve that in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, existing equipments in the port are overstretched and delays frequently occur. Two new gantry cranes boost annual throughput capacity. Manufacturing is dominated by clothing and textiles, but also includes chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Tourism is also important. The development of the Caudan Waterfront, central to Port Louis, with shopping and cinema facilities, appeals to tourists visiting the city. The 5 star Labourdonnais hotel located in the Caudan Waterfront is a popular choice for tourists and business people seeking luxury in a central location. Port Louis is the second most important financial center in Africa after Johannesburg. It is the city with the highest per capita income in Africa.
Port Louis has conserved many historic and colonial buildings through the years. One of them is a fortification named Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle, built by the British in 1835. The latter dominates the city. From there, one can observe most of the city’s architecture. Port Louis is surrounded by a mountain range, called the Moka Range. Among its most famous mountains are Le Pouce and Pieter Both which stand about 800 metres from sea level. The country’s national derby called Champ de Mars, which is the oldest race course (1812) in the Indian Ocean and the second oldest in the southern Hemisphere. Attractions include the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Market, the Mauritian Chinatown, the old Port Louis Theatre. Other famous destinations include the Police Barracks known as Les Casernes and The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre. The capital has also three museums which are: the Mauritius Natural History Museum, the Blue Penny Museum and the Mauritius Postal Museum. The biggest and oldest post office in Mauritius is found near the Caudan Waterfront. Situated in the heart of the city, near the State Bank Tower, the Place d’Armes is easily recognizable by its tall palm trees. It is the main entrance to and out of Port Louis.
