Country Profile: Mauritius
Mauritius is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 800 km east of Madagascar. Its population of over 1.3 million is predominantly of Indo-Mauritian descent, reflecting the island's diverse ethnic composition and rich cultural heritage. The economy is upper middle-income, supported by a strong tourism sector, agriculture, and a growing financial services industry. As a parliamentary republic, Mauritius has a stable democracy characterized by regular elections and a commitment to human rights.
Geography
Mauritius is situated in the southern Indian Ocean, characterized by a small coastal plain bordered by volcanic mountains, with its highest peak being Mont Piton at 828 meters. The island has a total area of 2,040 square kilometers and is surrounded by coral reefs, which create a rich marine ecosystem. The tropical climate is influenced by trade winds, leading to a warm, dry winter and a hot, humid summer.
- 177 km of coastline.
- 0 km land boundaries, as it is an island nation.
- Population density is among the highest globally due to urban clusters mainly around Port Louis.
People and Society
With an estimated population of 1,310,504 in 2024, Mauritius boasts a diverse society composed of various ethnic groups, primarily Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian. The official languages are English and French, with Creole being widely spoken. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 39.6 years, and has a high literacy rate of 93%.
- 71% of the population is aged between 15-64 years.
- 48.5% identify as Hindu, making it the largest religion.
- Life expectancy stands at 75.4 years for the total population.
Economy
Mauritius has transformed into an upper middle-income economy with a diverse portfolio that includes tourism, agriculture, and financial services. The real GDP is projected to reach $34.406 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 4.7%. The country is also known for its significant reliance on sugarcane production and a burgeoning seafood export market.
- 64.4% of the GDP comes from the services sector.
- 5.5% unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
- Major exports include fish and garments, with total exports estimated at $6.381 billion for 2023.
Government
Mauritius operates as a parliamentary republic, with a President and a Prime Minister serving as the heads of state and government, respectively. The capital city is Port Louis, and the country is governed under a civil law system inspired by French law. The latest constitutional amendment was adopted in 1968, the same year Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom.
- The National Assembly has 67 seats, with elections held every 5 years.
- Universal suffrage is granted at the age of 18.
- The current Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, has been in office since 2019.
Military and Security
Mauritius maintains no regular military forces; instead, security is provided by the Mauritius Police Force (MPF), which includes a paramilitary unit known as the Special Mobile Force. The MPF focuses on combating narcotics trafficking, maintaining public order, and ensuring maritime security, with training support from countries like India, France, and the UK.
- The MPF's inventory mainly consists of secondhand equipment from Western Europe and India.
- Key security partnerships include cooperation with India for coastal security.
- The MPF has special units, including a Police Helicopter Squadron and a riot police unit.
Energy
Mauritius has achieved full electrification, with 100% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The energy mix is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with a significant percentage of energy generated from coal and biomass sources.
- 82.4% of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels.
- Total electricity consumption was 3.084 billion kWh in 2023.
- Carbon dioxide emissions attributed to energy consumption rounded to 5.551 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Environment
Mauritius faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution, coral reef degradation, and solid waste management. The island is committed to international environmental agreements addressing biodiversity and climate change.
- 43.1% of land is used for agriculture, which is a crucial part of the economy.
- Urban areas account for 40.9% of the total population.
- The country is actively engaged in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change impacts.
Transportation
Mauritius has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including multiple airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The primary port is Port Louis, which facilitates trade and shipping.
- There are 5 airports on the island.
- The merchant marine is comprised of 32 vessels.
- 1 helipad is available for air transportation.
Communications
The telecommunications sector in Mauritius is advanced, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The national broadcaster provides a range of programming across several languages, reflecting the country's cultural diversity.
- 2.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.
- Internet usage stands at 80% of the population.
- Fixed-line telephone subscriptions total 464,000 for the same year.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,310,504 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 2,040 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $34.406 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 9.8 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 75.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption per Capita | 60.188 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 93% | 2016 estimate |
| Urban Population | 40.9% | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
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