Mauritius

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located on the island’s northwest coast. Founded by the French in 1735 and named after King Louis XV, it grew around a natural harbor and remains the country’s political and economic hub. Its waterfront, markets, and the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat—where indentured laborers first arrived—reflect Mauritius’s diverse cultural history. Remember it by the clue “Port”: island nations often place their capitals at major ports. The distractors are notable Mauritian places but not capitals—Grand Baie is a popular beach resort, Curepipe is a cool, inland city on the central plateau, and Nouvelle-France is a smaller settlement (also historically a term for French colonies). Port Louis stands out as the historical gateway and administrative heart of the nation.