# Mauritian rupee

> currency of Mauritius

**Wikidata**: [Q212967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q212967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritian_rupee)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mauritian-rupee

## Summary
The Mauritian rupee (MUR) is the official currency of Mauritius, an island sovereign state in the Indian Ocean. Introduced in 1877, it has been the nation's legal tender for over a century and is issued and regulated by the Bank of Mauritius, the country’s central bank. The currency is denoted by the symbol ₨ and is subdivided into 100 cents.

## Key Facts
- **Currency Code**: ISO 4217 code is MUR.
- **Symbol**: ₨
- **Subunit**: 1 rupee = 100 cents
- **Country**: Mauritius
- **Central Bank**: Issued and regulated by the Bank of Mauritius
- **Introduction Date**: First issued in 1877
- **Aliases**: Rupee (1877-date), Mauritius rupee, MUR, Rupia mauricia, rupia de Mauricio
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Documented across 51 language editions of Wikipedia
- **Wikidata Property**: Instance of `currency` and `rupee`
- **Conversion Rate (2018)**: 1 MUR ≈ 0.0622 USD
- **Commons Category**: Money of Mauritius
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02scxb
- **QUDT Unit ID**: CCY_MUR
- **Wolfram Language Codes**: 
  - Unit Code: "MauritiusRupees"
  - Entity Code: Entity["Concept", "MauritianRupee::2964m"]
- **Image**: Featured on a 25 rupee banknote (Commons image available)

## FAQs

**What is the Mauritian rupee?**
The Mauritian rupee (MUR) is the official currency of Mauritius. It has been in use since 1877 and is issued by the Bank of Mauritius. The currency is denoted by the symbol ₨ and is divided into 100 cents.

**How is the Mauritian rupee managed?**
The currency is managed and issued by the Bank of Mauritius, which serves as the central bank and national banking regulator of the Republic of Mauritius. The bank ensures monetary stability and regulates the issuance of banknotes and coins.

**What is the historical background of the Mauritian rupee?**
The Mauritian rupee was first introduced in 1877, replacing earlier colonial currencies. It has been continuously used since then, undergoing various design and security updates over time. The currency reflects the economic evolution of Mauritius from a colonial sugar-based economy to a modern, diversified financial system.

**What is the value of the Mauritian rupee in international markets?**
As of 2018, the conversion rate was approximately 1 MUR = 0.0622 USD. Exchange rates fluctuate based on market conditions and economic indicators. In 2016, the price of a unit was about 0.0278 USD.

**What denominations exist for the Mauritian rupee?**
The currency includes both coins and banknotes. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 5 rupees. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 rupees.

**What is the ISO code and symbol for the Mauritian rupee?**
The ISO 4217 currency code for the Mauritian rupee is MUR. The currency symbol is ₨.

**What are the aliases and alternative names for the Mauritian rupee?**
Aliases include:
- Rupee (1877-date)
- Mauritius rupee
- MUR
- Rupia mauricia
- Rupia de Mauricio

**Where can I find more information about the Mauritian rupee?**
The currency is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, with dedicated articles in 51 language editions. It also has entries in thesauri and encyclopedias such as Wolfram Language and QUDT.

## Why It Matters
The Mauritian rupee is the legal tender of Mauritius, a stable parliamentary democracy and high-income economy in the Indian Ocean. As the medium of exchange for a nation that has transitioned from a sugar-based economy to a diversified financial and tourism hub, the rupee plays a central role in the country's economic identity and international trade. It also reflects the historical evolution of Mauritius from colonial rule to independence in 1968. The currency supports the nation's financial infrastructure and is a symbol of sovereignty and economic self-determination.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity**: In use since 1877, making it one of the older continuously issued currencies in the Indian Ocean region.
- **National Symbolism**: Represents the economic independence and sovereignty of Mauritius.
- **Regulatory Excellence**: Managed by the Bank of Mauritius, which ensures stability and trust in its issuance.
- **Multilingual Documentation**: The currency is documented in 51 language editions of Wikipedia, reflecting its global recognition.
- **Unique Design Features**: Banknotes and coins feature national symbols and advanced security features.
- **Integration with Global Systems**: Recognized in international databases such as QUDT, Wolfram Language, and Freebase.

## Body

### History
The Mauritian rupee was introduced in 1877, replacing the earlier Indian rupee that was used during British colonial rule. It was established as the official currency of Mauritius upon the country's move toward greater self-governance and economic independence. The currency has undergone several redesigns and security upgrades, particularly in the post-independence era.

### Issuing Authority
The Bank of Mauritius, established in 1967, is the central bank responsible for issuing and regulating the Mauritian rupee. It ensures the stability of the currency and oversees monetary policy in alignment with national economic goals.

### Design and Denominations
The currency includes both coins and banknotes:
- **Coins**: 5, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 5 rupees.
- **Banknotes**: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 rupees.
Each denomination features national symbols, historical figures, and cultural motifs, reflecting the heritage and identity of Mauritius.

### Economic Role
As the official currency, the Mauritian rupee facilitates all domestic transactions and is the unit of account for businesses, government, and individuals. It underpins the economy of Mauritius, which has evolved into a high-income, diversified economy with strengths in financial services, tourism, and manufacturing.

### International Recognition
The currency is recognized in global financial systems and databases:
- **ISO 4217 Code**: MUR
- **Symbol**: ₨
- **QUDT Unit ID**: CCY_MUR
- **Wolfram Language Codes**:
  - Unit Code: "MauritiusRupees"
  - Entity Code: Entity["Concept", "MauritianRupee::2964m"]
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02scxb

### Conversion and Value
As of 2018, the conversion rate was approximately:
- 1 MUR = 0.0622 USD
In 2016, the price of a unit was about 0.0278 USD, according to international exchange metrics.

### Cultural and National Representation
The currency features imagery and designs that reflect the multicultural heritage of Mauritius, including historical figures, national landmarks, and indigenous flora and fauna. These elements reinforce national pride and identity.

### Legal and Regulatory Framework
The Bank of Mauritius governs the issuance and regulation of the currency, ensuring its stability and trustworthiness. The institution plays a critical role in maintaining economic confidence and facilitating trade.

### Technological Integration
The currency is integrated into digital systems and databases, including:
- **Wikipedia**: Documented in 51 languages
- **Open Data Systems**: Recognized by QUDT, Wolfram, and Freebase
- **Security Features**: Modern banknotes include advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies

### Global Context
The Mauritian rupee is part of the broader category of rupee-denominated currencies, which includes the Indian rupee and Pakistani rupee. However, it is distinct in its national design, regulatory framework, and economic context.

### Future Outlook
As Mauritius continues to evolve economically and technologically, the Mauritian rupee is expected to adapt with advancements in digital currency and financial innovation. Its role as a symbol of national sovereignty and economic resilience remains central to its identity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GF WordNet