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You have learnt that the Dutch, the French and the British settled in our island at different
periods in time, and carried out various activities. The rst settlement was made at Grand
Port on the south east coast of the island. Later, during the French period, Port Louis
became the capital and the main port of Ile de France.
In this unit you will learn about the changes that have occurred in Port Louis from the time it
became the capital of Ile de France to the present time.
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
• give reasons why Port Louis was made the main harbour of Ile de France;
• state the contribution of Governor Labourdonnais in the development of Port Louis;
• list a few buildings in Port Louis and identify their uses;
• explain the importance of Port Louis as a trading port and naval base;
• compare the changes in the town and harbour of Port Louis between the past and now;
• describe the developments in Port Mathurin, the capital of Rodrigues.
port louis
the capital of mauritius