Mauritius
Republic of Mauritius
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.23%
Situated in Eastern Africa, Mauritius has a population of approximately 1.25 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 2,040 km², translating to a density of 611 people per km². Its capital is Port Louis, and official languages include English, French, and Mauritian Creole, while the Mauritian rupee serves as the national currency.
Population
1,245,779
Area
2,040 km²
Density
611/km²
World Rank
#159
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. The gap between the birth rate (10.2 per thousand) and death rate (9.4 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 14.8% of residents under 15 and 13.5% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Port Louis
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, French, Mauritian Creole
- Currencies
- Mauritian rupee (₨)
- Calling Code
- +230
- Top-Level Domain
- .mu
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,245,779
- Land Area
- 2,040 km²
- Population Density
- 611 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.23%
- Annual Growth
- -2,865 people
- Daily Growth
- -8 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- -20.28°, 57.55°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $12k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 36.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
73.4 years
GDP per Capita
$11,991
Birth Rate
10.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
39.0%
Fertility Rate
1.39 births/woman
Infant Mortality
13.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.6%
Literacy Rate
94.3%
Internet Users
79.5%
Under 15
14.8%
Over 65
13.5%
Health Spending
5.6% GDP
Gini Index
36.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
185K
15-64 years
893K
65+ years
169K
Urbanization
Only 39% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Port Louis serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2784.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
486,103
39.0%
759,676
61.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 73.4 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 13.5 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 94.3% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Mauritius
Mauritius has 3 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Mauritius's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Mauritius participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,245,779 |
| 2030 | 1,234,465 |
| 2035 | 1,220,685 |
| 2040 | 1,207,266 |
| 2045 | 1,194,171 |
| 2050 | 1,181,367 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Mauritius.
Largest Cities in Mauritius
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Mauritius by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mauritius?
The population of Mauritius is approximately 1.2 million as of 2026, making it #159 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Mauritius?
The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.
What languages are spoken in Mauritius?
The main languages spoken in Mauritius are English, French, Mauritian Creole.
How big is Mauritius?
Mauritius covers an area of 2,040 km² with a population density of 611 people per km².
Is Mauritius growing or shrinking?
Mauritius's population is declining at a rate of -0.23% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Mauritius?
The average life expectancy in Mauritius is 73.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Mauritius?
The GDP per capita of Mauritius is $11,991.