Which island is home to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius?

Mauritius is the island home to Port Louis, the capital of the Republic of Mauritius.

Port Louis stands on the island’s northwest coast, between a natural harbour and the steep Moka Range. It is the country’s principal political, commercial, and cultural centre, and its harbour has long connected Mauritius with Indian Ocean trade routes.

The Republic of Mauritius includes the main island of Mauritius, nearby Rodrigues, and several smaller islands. Mauritius itself is volcanic in origin and is surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons.

Mauritius is often confused with Réunion, a neighbouring volcanic island to the southwest. Réunion is an overseas department of France, whereas Mauritius is an independent country. Rodrigues belongs to Mauritius but is a separate island roughly 560 kilometres east of the main island.