Mauritius毛里求斯

Curatorial Note

The national atlas tradition of Mauritius is a modest but meaningful chapter in the island nation's cartographic history. Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius gained independence in 1968, and its post-colonial identity-building included efforts to document its geography, society, and environment through national mapping projects. The single atlas in this collection, published in 1997, represents a pivotal moment: it was produced by a French academic institution, Université Michel de Montaigne - Bordeaux 3, reflecting a collaborative Franco-Mauritian scholarly endeavor. This atlas, titled *Atlas of Mauritius*, is notable for its comprehensive scope, covering physical geography, population distribution, economic activities, and cultural landscapes. Its editorial approach emphasized thematic mapping, integrating statistical data with cartographic design to present a cohesive national portrait. While no contemporary reviews are recorded, the atlas stands as a rare and valuable resource, offering a snapshot of Mauritius at the end of the 20th century. Its legacy lies in providing a baseline for later spatial studies and in affirming the importance of national cartography for small island states, even when such projects rely on international partnerships. Today, it remains a reference for researchers and a testament to the island's commitment to self-representation through maps.