Country Profile: Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 800 km east of Madagascar. Its population of around 1.3 million people is predominantly of Indian descent, reflecting its history as a former British colony with a diverse cultural heritage. The country boasts a mixed economy with significant contributions from tourism, information, and financial services, making it one of Africa's higher-income nations. Governance is characterized by a stable parliamentary republic since gaining independence in 1968, with a commitment to democratic principles and human rights.

Geography

Mauritius is situated in the southern African region, surrounded by the Indian Ocean and known for its volcanic origin. The island features a tropical climate, influenced by southeast trade winds, with a coastal plain bordered by mountains. It's comprised of 2,040 square kilometers of land, with 177 km of coastline and 12 nautical miles of territorial sea.

2,040 sq km: Total area of Mauritius
177 km: Length of the coastline
828 m: Highest point (Mont Piton)
43%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
100%: Urban population with access to improved water sources (2022 est.)

People and Society

Mauritius has an estimated population of 1,311,375 (2025 est.), primarily composed of Indo-Mauritians, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian ethnic groups. The country is linguistically diverse, with Creole being the most widely spoken language, while French and English are also used. The population is predominantly Hindu, followed by Roman Catholics and Muslims, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.

94.3%: Literacy rate (2023 est.)
75.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
40.9%: Urban population (2023)
16.6%: Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24, 2024 est.)
1.36: Total fertility rate (2025 est.)

Economy

Mauritius is classified as an upper middle-income economy with a diversified economic structure. Key sectors include tourism, agriculture, and services, with a strong focus on maritime security and financial services. The economy has shown resilience, bouncing back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

$34.406 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
4.7%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
64.4%: Services contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
10.3%: Population below the poverty line (2017 est.)

Government

Mauritius is a parliamentary republic, having gained independence from the UK in 1968. The government operates with a bicameral legislature and has a history of political stability marked by regular free elections. The President serves as the head of state while the Prime Minister heads the government.

12 March 1968: Date of independence from the UK
67: Total seats in the National Assembly
18 years: Universal suffrage age
5-year terms: Duration of National Assembly
President: Dharam Gokhool (as of December 2024)

Military and Security

Mauritius does not maintain regular military forces; however, the Mauritius Police Force oversees domestic security, including a paramilitary unit for various security challenges. The country prioritizes cooperation with India for training and maritime security.

No regular military forces: Security managed by the Mauritius Police Force
Special Mobile Force: Paramilitary unit created in 1960
Key security partner: India, providing training and support
Police Helicopter Squadron: Part of the Mauritius Police Force

Energy

Mauritius has achieved full electrification for its population, with a diverse energy generation mix. Fossil fuels dominate the energy sector, but there is increasing investment in renewable sources like solar and biomass.

100%: Electrification rate (2022 est.)
955,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)
60.188 million Btu: Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
82.4%: Fossil fuels' share in electricity generation (2023 est.)

Environment

Mauritius faces environmental challenges such as water pollution, coral reef degradation, and waste disposal. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at preserving biodiversity and combating climate change.

2: Total World Heritage Sites
43%: Land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
5.551 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
438,000 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Mauritius includes a network of roads, an operational airport, and a merchant marine. Port Louis serves as the main port, facilitating trade and transportation.

5: Airports in Mauritius (2025)
32: Total number of merchant vessels (2023)
2: Total number of ports (2024)

Communications

Mauritius has a well-developed telecommunications network, with a high percentage of mobile and internet usage among its population. The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation provides a diverse array of media channels.

80%: Internet user penetration (2023 est.)
2.2 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
464,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
343,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,311,375 (2025 est.)
Area	2,040 sq km
GDP	$34.406 billion (PPP, 2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	9.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	94.3% (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	60.188 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste Generated	438,000 tons (2024 est.)
Urban Population	40.9% of total (2023)