The Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Mauritius are popular holiday destinations for wealthy tourists.
In this four part series, Robin White visits these four island nations, to find out what is life is really like for people who live there.
Part Four - Mauritius
Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kms east of mainland Africa.
The country is blessed with crystal clear lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful seas.
This has attracted a regular flow of tourists, boosting the well-developed tourist industry.
Tourism generates up to 1 million visitors a year.
However, there are signs that Mauritius cannot rely on this industry to bring wealth.
Changing economy
Global financial pressures may decrease the numbers of tourists arriving, and even if the numbers increase, there is limited space in the coastal areas to develop more resorts.
Diversifying the economy is a difficult task but the seeds of diversification are beginning to appear.
There are many established banking services in the capital Port Louis with hi-tech industries and call centres in other parts of the island.
Can Mauritians diversify and survive despite a lack natural resources?
Will it need stability, good governance, hard work, or just luck?
History and culture
Mauritius was uninhabited when the Dutch took possession in 1598.
Abandoned in 1710, it was taken over by the French in 1715 and seized by the British in 1810.
It gained independence in 1968 as a constitutional monarchy, with executive power nominally vested in the British monarch.
This colonial history, mixed with the different groups of people who arrived with the colonists, has left its mark in the population.
Indians, Chinese, African and Europeans from a variety of different faith groups - Muslims, Hindus and Christians - live in a largely tolerant atmosphere.
The official language is English and French but Creole - a mixture of French, English, Indian and African influences - is spoken widely by Mauritians throughout the island.
Join Robin on his journey as he travels around this paradise nation looking at the mixed cultural influences, the attempts at diversifying the economy, and the emerging industries.
First broadcast Friday 3rd October 2008.
Documentaries
Download or subscribe to this programme's podcast.
