Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) off the southeast coast of the African continent. The country includes the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues, and the outer islands (Agaléga, St. Brandon and two disputed territories). The area of the country is 2,040 sq. km. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. Mauritius was a British colonial possession from 1810 to 1968, the year of its independence.