Back

Facts for Kids

Rodrigues is a beautiful autonomous outer island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, known for its vibrant nature and rich culture.

Overview

History

Tourism

Local Cuisine

Transportation

Flora And Fauna

Conservation Efforts

Economy And Industry

Geography And Climate

Culture And Traditions

main image

Inside this Article

Tropical Climate

Indian Ocean

Government

Portuguese

Flying Fox

Community

Condiment

Mountains

Mauritius

Did you know?

🌊 Rodrigues is located about 560 km east of the main island of Mauritius.

🌴 The island covers an area of 108 square kilometers.

❤️ Rodrigues is known for its friendly people and stunning scenery.

🐠 It has beautiful coral reefs that provide shelter for colorful fish.

☀️ Rodrigues enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round.

🏖️ Trou d'Argent is one of the beloved beaches on the island.

🌍 The island was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1528.

📜 Rodrigues became an autonomous island of Mauritius on December 12, 2002.

🌺 The Rodrigues Island Baobab tree is one of its unique native plants.

🎊 The 'Fête de la Mer' is a fun festival where locals celebrate the sea.

Introduction

Rodrigues is a special island in the Indian Ocean! 🌊

It's part of Mauritius, which is a country that has many islands. Rodrigues is about 560 km (about 348 miles) east of the main island of Mauritius. It covers 108 square kilometers (about 42 square miles) and is known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. 🌴

You can find colorful fish in its waters and lush green hills on land. The island is smaller than many others, but it has a big heart! ❤

️ It is a place where many unique plants and animals live, making it truly special.
Read Less

History

Rodrigues has a fascinating history! 🌍

The island was first discovered by the Portuguese sailor Diogo Rodrigues in 1528. Later, it was taken over by the French in the 18th century. The French brought people from Africa and other places to work on the island. In 1810, the British took control, but they changed the island very little. Rodrigues became an autonomous island of Mauritius on 12 December 2002, meaning it can manage its own affairs. 📜

Today, it keeps its traditional roots while embracing modern life, making it unique!
Read Less

Tourism

Tourism is a key part of life in Rodrigues! 🏝

️ Tourists come to see the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, and hike up mountains like Mont Limon. The island receives around 67,000 visitors each year, making it a hidden gem! 🌊

Visitors can enjoy local crafts, try fun activities like kite surfing, and practice their fishing skills. Rodriguesians love sharing their culture and delicious local cuisine with travelers. So, if you visit, you will not only see pretty places but also make new friends! 🌟

Read Less

Local Cuisine

Rodrigues has delicious food! 😋

The local cuisine combines flavors from many cultures. Some popular dishes include “cari,” a tasty curry made with fish, and “rougail,” a spicy condiment. 🥘

They also love making "gato piment," which are yummy chili cakes! Coconut is a big part of their cooking, adding sweetness to dishes and desserts. Fruits like mangoes, guavas, and bananas are common and very refreshing! 🍍

When in Rodrigues, be ready for fun communal meals called “repas,” where families share food and enjoy each other’s company. Good food brings everyone together! 🍽

Read Less

Transportation

Getting around Rodrigues is easy and fun! 🚗

The main way to travel is by car or scooter, and many roads are perfect for a little adventure. There are bus services that connect different areas, so you can explore the island without a car! 🌏

Some visitors enjoy biking to see the sights and breathe in the fresh air. If you want an exciting ride, you can also take a boat tour to see the stunning coast! ⚓

There is no airport on the island, but a nearby small airport allows travelers to fly from Mauritius, making it accessible and enjoyable!
Read Less

Flora And Fauna

Rodrigues is home to amazing plants and animals! 🌺

The island has beautiful native flowers like the Rodrigues Island Baobab tree, which can grow very large. Rodrigues was once home to the famous Rodrigues solitaire, a bird that is now extinct. 🐦

But don't worry! Many unique creatures still live here, such as the Rodrigues flying fox, a type of bat. You can find special plants like the Rodrigues’ Chou Chou, which is a tasty fruit. 🌳

The island's coral reefs also attract diverse fish and marine life, making it a great place for underwater exploration!
Read Less

Conservation Efforts

Conserving Rodrigues' natural beauty is very important! 🌿

The government and local groups work hard to protect its unique plants and animals. There are laws to keep the environment safe and support clean beaches, too! 🌊

One project is replanting trees and creating protected areas where animals can thrive. For example, people are taking care of the endangered Rodrigues flying fox to make sure it survives. 🌳

Education is also vital, as many schools teach kids about their environment. Together, they are making a bright future for Rodrigues and its beautiful nature!
Read Less

Economy And Industry

Rodrigues has a small but hardworking economy! 💵

Fishing is one of the main activities, with many people catching fish like tuna and octopus. People also grow crops such as sugarcane, which is famous in Mauritius! Harvesting these crops provides jobs for the community. The island's beautiful nature attracts visitors who help support local businesses. 🏖

️ In recent years, eco-tourism has become popular, encouraging local families to share their stunning landscapes and wildlife with tourists! This helps the economy grow while protecting the island's unique environment. 🌱

Read Less

Geography And Climate

Rodrigues has a lovely tropical climate! ☀

️ It means it's warm all year long, perfect for beach fun! The island is surrounded by coral reefs, which help protect the coast. 🐠

The highest point on Rodrigues is Mont Limon, standing at 398 meters (1,306 feet). The island has some stunning beaches, like Trou d'Argent, where the sand is soft and the water sparkles in the sun. The yearly temperature is around 25-30°C (77-86°F), making it a cozy home for many species. 🌴

Expect some rain between January and March, but that just helps the nature thrive!
Read Less

Culture And Traditions

Rodrigues has a rich culture influenced by its history! 🌈

The people of Rodrigues, known as Rodriguesians, celebrate their traditions with colorful festivals. One popular celebration is the “Fête de la Mer,” where they honor the sea with music, dancing, and delicious food! 🎊

Their music features instruments like the ravanne and asin, which create beautiful sounds. The islanders also practice a mix of beliefs, including Christianity and Creole traditions. 🌍

They love storytelling and sharing their history, keeping their culture lively and fun! It’s a wonderful experience to visit and see their customs in action!
Read Less

Rodrigues Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a “Challenge” on DIY?
What is a “Course” on DIY?
What are “Skills” on DIY?
What if I'm new to all this—where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.