Port Mathurin

Port Mathurin is the provincial capital of the Indian Ocean island of Rodrigues, which belongs to Mauritius. It is with more than 5929 inhabitants ( as of 2008) the largest city and the administrative, economic and cultural center of the island.

Geography

Port Mathurin is located on the north coast of the island. In the hinterland lying mountains protect the city from the south-east trade winds. The expansion of the town center is about 600 by 300 meters. Overall, however, include 22 localities ( localities ) of the city:

The nucleus of which are immediately adjacent to the rear of La Digue, Montagne beacon, Pointe Monier, Camp du Roi and Baie Lascar.

History

On May 1, 1691 a group of Huguenots who fled France landed under the leadership of François Leguat, in the Bay of Mathurin. 1735 here the first permanent settlement on Rodrigues of France was founded. The village name comes from one of the first settlers Mathurin Bréhinier. 1810 collected in the Bay of Mathurin the British fleet to invade the islands of Réunion and Mauritius. 1901, a telegraph cable was installed by the Indian Ocean to Australia, the maintenance center was located in the city.

Economy

The Port of Port Mathurin is the only one on the island and therefore serves to supply quite Rodrigues. It is each about once served by two ships of Mauritius Cargo Handling Corporation in the month. The harbor is protected by a coral reef in front of the open sea as the entire island. In stores, there are only vital products, everything has to be ordered Special directly in Mauritius.

Education

Since 1973, there is in place a secondary school, the Rodrigues College.

Religion

The town has a Catholic and an Anglican church and a small mosque.