Mauritius is an island nation.
Mauritius ( [ məˈrɪʃəs ] or [ məˈrɪʃiːəs ] Maurice ) , officially the Republic of Mauritius ( République de Maurice ) , is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2000 km off the southeast coast of the African continent . The country includes the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues [ 560 km east of Mauritius ] , and the outer islands ( Agaléga , St. Brandon and two disputed territories ) . The island 's government is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system , and Mauritius is highly ranked for democracy and for economic and political freedom .