Mauritius

World Book Index

Introduction

Mauritius, a stunning island nation located in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rich history that began with its uninhabited status until the Dutch established a settlement in 1638. Over the centuries, the island transitioned through various colonial powers, including France and the United Kingdom, shaping its diverse cultural landscape. Gaining independence from the UK in 1968, Mauritius has since evolved into a stable democracy, known for its political stability and commitment to democratic governance. The island's unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions makes it a vibrant society, attracting visitors and investors alike.

Neighboring countries

France - Madagascar - Seychelles

Geography

Area
Total: 2,040 sq km
Land: 2,030 sq km
Water: 10 sq km

Mauritius is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent. The island's geography is characterized by its volcanic origin, featuring a central plateau surrounded by coastal plains and stunning beaches. The climate is tropical, influenced by southeast trade winds, resulting in warm, dry winters from May to November and hot, humid summers from November to May. The natural resources of Mauritius include arable land and fish, which play a vital role in the local economy and food security.

People and Society

Population
Total: 1,310,504 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Indo-Mauritian (compose approximately two thirds of the total population), Creole, Sino-Mauritian, Franco-Mauritian

Languages
Creole 86.5%, Bhojpuri 5.3%, French 4.1%, two languages 1.4%, other 2.6% (includes English, one of the two official languages of the National Assembly, which is spoken by less than 1% of the population), unspecified 0.1% (2011 estimated)

Religions
Hindu 48.5%, Roman Catholic 26.3%, Muslim 17.3%, other Christian 6.4%, other 0.6%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 estimated)

Population growth rate
0.07% (2024 estimated)

The population of Mauritius is a tapestry of diverse ethnic groups, with Indo-Mauritians making up approximately two-thirds of the total population. The Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian communities contribute to the island's rich cultural mosaic. The primary language spoken is Creole, reflecting the island's unique heritage, while Bhojpuri and French also hold significant places in daily communication. The religious landscape is equally diverse, with Hinduism being the predominant faith, followed by Roman Catholicism and Islam. Despite its cultural richness, the population growth rate remains modest at 0.07%, indicating a stable demographic environment.

Government

Government type
Parliamentary republic

Capital
Name: Port Louis

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Dharam GOKHOOL (since 7 December 2024)
Head of government: Prime Minister Navin RAMGOOLAM (since 13 November 2024)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Gajjaluxmi MOOTOOSAMY (since 5 June 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Henry V. JARDINE (since 22 February 2023); note - also accredited to Seychelles

Mauritius operates as a parliamentary republic, where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister acts as the head of government. The capital city, Port Louis, is the political and economic hub of the nation. The current executive leadership includes President Dharam Gokhool and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who have taken office in late 2024. The diplomatic landscape is marked by active engagement with international partners, including the United States, where Mauritius maintains a Chargé d'Affaires due to a vacancy in the ambassadorial position.

Economy

Economic overview
Upper middle-income Indian Ocean island economy; diversified portfolio; investing in maritime security; strong tourism sector decimated by COVID-19; expanding in information and financial services; environmentally fragile

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$34.406 billion (2024 estimated)
$32.864 billion (2023 estimated)
$31.296 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$27,300 (2024 estimated)
$26,100 (2023 estimated)
$24,800 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$6.381 billion (2023 estimated)
$6.138 billion (2022 estimated)
$4.213 billion (2021 estimated)

Exports - partners
USA 11%, France 11%, Zimbabwe 10%, South Africa 7%, Zambia 7% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Fish, garments, raw sugar, fertilizers, diamonds (2023)

Imports
$8.027 billion (2023 estimated)
$8.052 billion (2022 estimated)
$6.057 billion (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 15%, UAE 11%, India 10%, South Africa 9%, France 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, cars, fish, coal, packaged medicine (2023)

The economy of Mauritius is classified as an upper middle-income economy, characterized by a diversified portfolio that includes strong sectors such as tourism, information technology, and financial services. The tourism sector, once a significant contributor to the economy, faced severe challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the government to invest in maritime security and explore new avenues for economic recovery. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $34.406 billion, with a per capita GDP of $27,300, reflecting a relatively high standard of living. The export landscape is diverse, with key partners including the USA and France, and commodities such as fish, garments, and raw sugar driving trade. On the import side, refined petroleum and vehicles are among the primary goods, indicating a reliance on foreign markets for essential resources.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.806, ranking it 73rd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 89th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.369. (more information)