Mauritius

The population of Mauritius is approximately 1.2M (2024).

The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.

Mauritius's GDP per capita is $13.2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Mauritius is 73.79 years (2024).

Mauritius covers 2,040 km² (788 sq mi).

Mauritius is very densely populated, with 608 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Mauritius's population is shrinking at 0.2% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.

Based on GDP per capita, Mauritius falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $13.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Mauritius reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.3 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

Mauritius has 3 official languages: English, French, Mauritian Creole.

Mauritius uses the Mauritian rupee (₨) as its sole official currency.

Mauritius is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Mauritius are June, July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Approximately 1.24 million people live in Mauritius according to current estimates, making it the 157th largest nation globally. The country ranks 48th in Africa and 13th in Eastern Africa by population size. Despite its small land area, the nation maintains a high population density of approximately 621 people per km² (1,608 per sq mi).

Recent estimates show a GDP per capita of $13,201, while the latest official data recorded $11,991. This economic performance ranks Mauritius 93rd globally and 2nd in Africa. The economy is fueled by a strong annual GDP growth of 4.9%, supported by the tourism, financial services, and manufacturing sectors.

English and French are the primary languages used in government and business, although Mauritian Creole is widely spoken across the island. This linguistic diversity reflects the nation's history and its multicultural population, including Indo-Mauritian and Creole groups. It serves as a bridge for international trade and diplomacy in the region.

The adult literacy rate in Mauritius is 94.3%, which ranks 83rd globally according to recent data. This high rate is attributed to the country's commitment to providing free education to its citizens. A well-educated workforce has allowed the nation to transition from a sugar-based economy to a diversified service hub.

Life expectancy at birth in Mauritius is approximately 73.8 years, ranking the country 115th globally. The nation provides a high standard of public healthcare, which has contributed to stable demographic trends. With a fertility rate of 1.44 births per woman, the population dynamics reflect those seen in many developed nations.

Approximately 73.3% of the Mauritian population uses the internet, placing the country 125th in global rankings. This level of connectivity supports the island's growing ICT sector and its ambitions to become a regional digital leader. The government continues to invest in infrastructure to improve speeds and access across the island.

The population is currently declining at a rate of approximately -0.23% annually. This negative growth trend is caused by a low fertility rate and net migration patterns. Recent data shows that the total number of inhabitants is gradually decreasing from the peak figures recorded in the early 2020s.

The population density of Mauritius is estimated at 621 people per km² (1,608 per sq mi). This makes Mauritius the most densely populated country in Africa and the 14th most densely populated nation in the world. Most of the population is concentrated in the northern and central plateau regions.

The current fertility rate in Mauritius is 1.44 births per woman. This is well below the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to the aging demographic and the overall population decline. The rate reflects the country's high level of female education, workforce participation, and effective national family planning programs.

Approximately 39.0% of the Mauritian population lives in urban areas, with the largest concentration in the capital, Port Louis. While this percentage is lower than many developed nations, the island's small size and advanced infrastructure mean that even rural areas have high levels of access to urban-style services and amenities.

Mauritius currently holds the global rank of 157 out of 215 countries and territories. In the African region, it ranks 48th out of 54 countries. Despite its low total population rank, it holds the number one rank in Africa for population density, reflecting its small landmass of 2,040 km² (788 sq mi).