Port Louis << LOO ihs or LOO ee >> (pop. 147,448) is the capital, largest city, and leading port of Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean. Port Louis lies in a lowland on the northwest coast of the country’s main island, which is also called Mauritius. The city’s main employers are textile manufacturers, food-processing plants, shipping companies, and the government. Much sugar and textiles are exported from Port Louis.
France ruled Mauritius during the 1700’s. The French governor founded Port Louis in 1736 and named it for Louis XV, the king of France. French culture still plays an important part in the city’s life.
