an island and state in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar: originally uninhabited, it was settled by the Dutch (1638–1710) then abandoned; taken by the French in 1715 and the British in 1810; became an independent member of the Commonwealth in 1968. It is economically dependent on sugar. Official language: English; a French creole is widely spoken. Religion: Hindu, Christian, and Muslim. Currency: rupee. Capital: Port Louis. Pop: 1 265 138 (2017 est). Area: 1865 sq km (720 sq miles)