Mauritius Supremacy. A Nation in Detail. It is hard to find any literature or indicators1 that do not commend Mauritius on its economic performance and political stability. There is no doubt that the island has fared well, despite being small, isolated and resource-poor. Many believe that it is the suave management of diversity and plurality, the setting up of key and independent institutions and the adoption of a ballot (instead of a bullet) culture that moved the island away from the problems that plagued a number of African countries as they became independent. Mauritius is known for its cosmopolitanism and conviviality, which are marketed as important traits of the islanders and have served well in making the island a popular tourist destination and an investment hub for new businesses. Situated in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, east of Southern Africa, the Republic of Mauritius consists of Mauritius, Rodrigues and two smaller atolls (Agalega and Saint Brandon). It also had territorial control of the Chagos Archipelago, but this group of islands was excised by Britain in 1965 prior to independence. Mauritius is still trying to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, which has become an important military base for the United States.