MAURITIUS - INSULARITY, TROPICALITY, MODE RNITY - A DIALOGUE IN THE SHAPE OF A LESSON

Mauritius, a lost volcanic island in the Indian ocean situated at the 20th degree of latitude, is a tiny state which got its independance in 1968. The isolation, the tropicality the demographic boom, the ethnic diversity and the absence of raw materials could funnel this peaceful beauty to become a hotbed of desperation and violence. This place whi ch is one of the most densely populated areas, is an exemple of modern democracy and cultural coexistence. Owing to a skilful and pragmatic politic, its leaders have transformed handicaps into trump cards. The allocation of a part of the GNP for social and hygienic investments ha d been the locomotive pulling the train of improvements and raising th e standard of living for the inhabitants. The ageing population, the r apidity of evolution the demographic and health transitions are expres sion of this skilful politic. In less than twenty years, this island c onquered underdevelopment and proved that there is no tropical fatalit y when a programme of health accompanies development.