Mauritius

Mauritius, a vibrant island republic in the Indian Ocean, lies about 800 kilometres east of Madagascar and is among Africa’s most prosperous and stable democracies. Famed for its volcanic scenery, multicultural society, and strong governance, it has transformed from a colonial-era plantation economy into a diversified hub for tourism, finance, and information technology. With a high per capita income and consistently democratic institutions, Mauritius stands as a model of development and coexistence in the African region.

Historical Background

Unlike many territories in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius was uninhabited until the 17th century. Though visited by Arab and Portuguese sailors as early as the 1500s, the first European settlers were the Dutch, who established a colony in 1638 and named the island after Prince Maurits van Nassau. Their occupation, which lasted until 1710, resulted in significant ecological changes, including the extinction of the dodo, later adopted as a national symbol of environmental loss.
The French took control in 1722, developing Mauritius—then known as Isle de France—into a sugar-based economy reliant on enslaved African labour. French rule profoundly shaped the island’s language, culture, and legal system, with French Creole remaining a lingua franca.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain seized the island in 1810, renaming it Mauritius but preserving much of the French civil administration. The abolition of slavery in 1835 led to the arrival of tens of thousands of indentured labourers from India, who now form the majority of the population. Under British rule, the island became a key naval and air base, particularly during World War II, supporting Allied operations in the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius achieved independence on 12 March 1968 and became a republic in 1992. Its democratic framework has endured with minimal disruption, though its politics have long been shaped by powerful families—most notably the Ramgoolams and Jugnauths—who have alternated in leadership since independence.
Mauritius maintains sovereignty claims over Tromelin Island (administered by France) and the Chagos Archipelago, administered by the UK as the British Indian Ocean Territory. The UN General Assembly and International Court of Justice have recognised Mauritius’s claim to the Chagos Islands, urging the UK to end its administration.

Geography and Environment

Mauritius lies in the southwest Indian Ocean within the Mascarene archipelago, encompassing the main island and several dependencies—Rodrigues, Agalega Islands, and Cargados Carajos Shoals.

• Coordinates: 20°17′S, 57°33′E
• Total area: 2,040 sq km
• Coastline: 177 km
• Highest point: Mont Piton (828 m)
• Terrain: Coastal plains rising to a central volcanic plateau encircled by mountains
• Climate: Tropical, moderated by southeast trade winds; hot, humid summers (November–May) and mild, dry winters (May–November)

Natural hazards include cyclones between November and April and maritime risks from extensive coral reefs. The island’s natural resources are limited to arable land and marine life. Land use divides into 43.1% agriculture and 19.5% forest, with much of the remaining area urbanised.
Environmental concerns include coral reef degradation, coastal erosion, and waste management challenges, addressed through national programmes in renewable energy and coastal protection. Mauritius is a signatory to key international environmental treaties, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

People and Society

The population (2024) is estimated at 1,310,504, with a growth rate of 0.07%, reflecting near-zero demographic expansion. Urbanisation is moderate at 40.9%, and the median age is 39.6 years, marking a transition toward an ageing society.
Ethnic composition:

• Indo-Mauritian (approx. two-thirds)
• Creole (mixed African-European descent)
• Sino-Mauritian
• Franco-Mauritian

Languages:

• Creole (spoken by 86.5% of the population)
• French (widely used in media and administration)
• English (official legislative language)
• Bhojpuri and other South Asian languages used in cultural life

Mauritius functions as a bilingual and trilingual society, where English dominates official discourse and French remains the language of business and daily communication.
Religious affiliation:

• Hindu: 48.5%
• Roman Catholic: 26.3%
• Muslim: 17.3%
• Other Christian: 6.4%

Human development indicators:

• Life expectancy: 75.4 years
• Fertility rate: 1.36 children per woman (one of the world’s lowest)
• Literacy rate: 93%
• Education expenditure: 3.3% of GDP
• Maternal mortality: 66 per 100,000 live births
• Infant mortality: 11.6 per 1,000 live births
• Obesity rate: 10.8%
• Access to improved water and sanitation: 100%

Mauritius’s low fertility and long life expectancy signify a mature, high-income society confronting demographic ageing and labour market challenges.

Government and Politics

• Official name: Republic of Mauritius
• Government type: Parliamentary republic
• Capital: Port Louis
• Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies (Rodrigues, Agalega, Cargados Carajos)
• Head of State: President Dharam Gokhool (since December 2024)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam (since November 2024)
• Legislature: National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) – 67 seats (62 elected, 4 appointed)

The 1968 Constitution established a Westminster-style parliamentary system. The President serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive authority.
The judicial system blends French civil law and English common law, with final appeals heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Suffrage is universal from age 18.
Mauritius’s politics are shaped by stable, long-standing parties, notably the Mauritius Labour Party (PTR), Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), and Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM). Despite dynastic influences, Mauritius consistently ranks among Africa’s most democratic and least corrupt nations, with free elections and independent institutions.

Economy

Mauritius has developed into a diversified, upper-middle-income economy, transitioning from a sugar-dominated system to a service- and technology-oriented hub.
Economic indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $34.4 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $27,300
• Growth rate: 4.7%
• Inflation: 3.6%
• Unemployment: 5.5%

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 4.3%
• Industry: 17.8%
• Services: 64.4%

Trade (2023):

• Exports: $6.38 billion – chiefly fish, garments, sugar, fertilizers, and diamonds
• Top partners: United States, France, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia
• Imports: $8.03 billion – refined petroleum, vehicles, fish, medicines, coal
• Main sources: China, UAE, India, South Africa, France
• Foreign reserves: $8.5 billion (2024)
• Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR), 46.4 per USD (2024)

Mauritius maintains a current account deficit but benefits from strong foreign investment and stable reserves. Economic policy emphasises innovation, digitalisation, and the blue economy, while pursuing environmental sustainability.

Energy and Infrastructure

Mauritius enjoys 100% electricity access, supported by an installed capacity of 955,000 kW. The energy mix relies on fossil fuels (82%), biomass and waste (10%), solar (5%), and hydropower (3%). The government aims to generate 60% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
Coal consumption: 610,000 metric tons (2023)
Infrastructure is highly developed, featuring efficient road networks, airports, and ports. Port Louis serves as the main harbour and commercial gateway, while Rodrigues Island’s Port Mathurin handles regional traffic.
Communications:

• Internet penetration: 80% (2023)
• Mobile subscriptions: 2.1 million (161 per 100 inhabitants)
• Fixed broadband: 27 per 100 inhabitants

Security and Defence

Mauritius has no standing military. National defence and security are managed by the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) under the Ministry of Defence, comprising:

• Special Mobile Force (paramilitary unit)
• National Coast Guard
• Police Helicopter Squadron

The MPF focuses on maritime surveillance, counter-narcotics, disaster relief, and border control. Mauritius enjoys strong defence cooperation with India, which assists with naval patrols, equipment, and training, and with France, the UK, and the US, which provide technical support.

Culture and Heritage

Mauritius is celebrated as a multicultural mosaic, blending Indian, African, European, and Chinese traditions. Creole, French, and Indian influences shape cuisine, music, and festivals. Major celebrations—Divali, Eid al-Fitr, Chinese New Year, and Cavadee—are nationally observed, symbolising intercommunal harmony.