AGALEGA ISLAND (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Mauritius jointly inaugurated the new Airstrip and St. James Jetty, along with six community development projects at the Agalega Island in Mauritius, via video conferencing.

Agalega Island

• About: Agaléga consists of two outer islands situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,000 kilometers north of the main Mauritius island.
• Geographic Features: The total land area of Agaléga measures 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres), encompassing diverse natural landscapes and ecosystems.
• Abundance of Coconuts: Renowned for their coconut plantations, Agaléga islands are celebrated for the production and cultivation of coconuts.
• Division: Agaléga is divided into two primary segments: the North Island and the South Island, each offering distinct characteristics and features.
• Settlements: The principal settlements on Agaléga include Vingt Cinq, located on the North Island, and Sainte Rita, situated on the South Island, serving as focal points of community life and activity.

Mauritius

• About: Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean, situated off the eastern coast of Africa.
• Land: It is located about 500 miles (800 km) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

oMauritius includes outlying territories such as Rodrigues Island, the Cargados Carajos Shoals, and the Agalega Islands at varying distances from the main island.

oThe country also asserts sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, which is disputed by Britain.

• Relief: The island is of volcanic origin and is predominantly encircled by coral reefs.
• Climate: Mauritius experiences a maritime subtropical climate characterized by relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year.
• Capital: Port Louis.