Rodrigues Island is an autonomous outer island of the Republic of Mauritius. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 650 kilometres east of Mauritius itself. Rodrigues is the smallest of the Mascarene Islands, which also include Mauritius and Réunion. It covers an area of about 108 square km. Like Agaléga, Rodrigues is a constituent island of the Republic of Mauritius, under the Constitution of Mauritius and still remains, as explicitly defined by the same Constitution, part of the Sovereignty of Mauritius, together with the following islands: "Agalega, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos (Saint Brandon), Chagos Archipelago ... Diego Garcia and other islands included in the State of Mauritius".
Rodrigues is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by coral reef, and some tiny uninhabited islands lie just off its coast. The island was discovered by Diego Rodrigues in 1598, but it did not receive the name of this Portuguese navigator until 1691, when the first French arrived... Seven Huguenots who quickly left for Mauritius ! For Rodrigues to be inhabited by the French, it will be necessary to wait another century, accompanied by Malagasy and African slaves.
Rodrigues is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. The island is popular among tourists seeking a more secluded and tranquil destination compared to the larger, more developed Mauritius. Tourism, fishing, and agriculture are the main economic activities on the island, with coconut and vanilla being notable agricultural products.
The culture of Rodrigues is a mix of African, European, and Asian influences, reflecting its history of colonization and immigration. The native language, Rodriguan Creole, is widely spoken, along with French and English. Rodrigues has a distinct cultural identity, with traditional music, dance, and cuisine that set it apart from mainland Mauritius.
Rodrigues Island gained its autonomous status in 2002, and is governed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. The capital of the island is Port Mathurin. The islands of Rodrigues, Agaléga and Saint Brandon form part of the larger territory of the Republic of Mauritius.
The island is a well-preserved island where people live simply and where those who want to go 'off the beaten track' should stay for a few days. Time seems to stand still on Rodrigues. Its charm and simple unhurried pace of life attract celebrities from around the world who come to enjoy the island's tranquility and natural beauty.
Population of Rodrigues
Its inhabitants are Mauritian citizens. As of 2022, the island's population was about 44,000, according to Statistics Mauritius. Rodrigues Island has a diverse population from various ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population are of mixed African, European (primarily French), and Indian descent. This diverse ancestry is a result of the island's history of colonization, slavery, and immigration.
The people of Rodrigues are often identify as Rodriguan reflecting their unique cultural and ethnic heritage. Rodriguan Creole is widely spoken as the native language, although French and English are also commonly used.
While the majority of the population is of mixed ethnicity, there are also smaller communities of African, European, Indian, and Chinese descent on the island. These different ethnic groups contribute to Rodrigues' rich cultural tapestry, with influences from African, European, Indian, and Southeast Asian traditions evident in various aspects of daily life, including cuisine, music, and religious practices.