Rodrigues

Rodrigues (French: Île Rodrigues [il ʁɔdʁiɡ]; Kreol rodrig: Rodrig) is an autonomous outer island of the Republic of Mauritius, of approximately 108 km2 (42 mi2) and about 560 km (350 mi) east of the main island of Mauritius. Along with the French overseas department of Réunion, Rodrigues and Mauritius are part of the Mascarene Islands. The Outer Islands of Mauritius are managed under the aegis of the Prime Minister of Mauritius through the Prime Minister's Office by the Outer Islands Development Corporation. Of volcanic origin, Rodrigues is surrounded by coral reef and some tiny uninhabited islands that lie just off its coast. The tenth District of Mauritius until 2002, it was granted autonomous status and has since been managed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly for its everyday governance. The capital and largest city is Port Mathurin and the island was home to around 41,669 inhabitants in 2014 according to Statistics Mauritius. Its people, mostly of African descent, are Mauritian citizens and form part of the wider Mauritian Creole community. Its economy is based mainly on fishing, farming, handicraft and a developing tourism sector. The islands of Rodrigues, Agaléga and Saint Brandon form part of the larger territory of the Republic of Mauritius.