2023-12-15
The population of Mauritius and its nationalities
Formerly known as Isle de France, this island in the heart of the Mascarene archipelago is a pure jewel of the Indian Ocean. With an area of 1865 km², Mauritius is 65 km long and 45 km wide. The island's highest point is located in the Black River Gorges National Park, rising to over 800m. An independent country since 1968, the Mauritian republic attracts many tourists but also investors.
The population of Mauritius in numbers
In 2022, the island state has 1,250,000 inhabitants. The residents of this island in the Indian Ocean archipelago are called Mauritians. The most spoken language in the country is French-inspired Creole. But you will also hear other languages in everyday life like English or French.
The largest cities in Mauritius
Port-Louis: Port-Louis tops the list with over 155,000 inhabitants. This city, where the French influence is still strongly marked in its architecture, is the capital of the island. Its name is a tribute to King Louis XV.
Beau-Bassin: Rose-Hill is in second place with over 110,000 inhabitants, about 10% of the island's population.
Vacoas-Phoenix: In 2015, the city had over 106,000 inhabitants.
Curepipe and Quatre Bornes: These 2 cities have about 80,000 inhabitants according to 2015 statistics.
The average age of Mauritians
In 2023, the median age in the Republic of Mauritius is 36.30 yearscompared to 34.18 in 2012. The island is far ahead of other African countries, where the average age is mostly below 20 years. The same is true for the elderly population, with over 12% of the Mauritian population over 60 years old compared to 3 to 5% in other African states.
What nationalities live in Mauritius?
Mauritius is composed of a population with origins from all over the world. Over the years, culture and religion have evolved, but the footprint of a diverse community remains strong. About 68% of the island's inhabitants are of Indian origin. 28% are Creoles of mixed origins, African and Indian or African and European. Nearly 3% are of Chinese origin and 4% of European descent.
Mauritians of Indian origin
As mentioned earlier, nearly 800,000 Mauritians are of Indian origin. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are the regions where the majority of the island's inhabitants' ancestors come from. This majority is reflected in the public and political administration of the island state, but also in other country's institutions: education, economy, etc.
Mauritians of European, mixed, and African origin
The Mauritian culture is inseparable from the country's history, especially that of colonization. 28% of the population are descendants of colonists. Certainly, they are not the majority but they remain holders of economic power and a large part of the island's wealth.
Mauritians of Chinese and French origin
The history of France, Mauritius, and the Indian Ocean archipelago is closely linked. The Creole language spoken there comes from French. Franco-Mauritians represent about 4 to 5% of the population. As for the Sino-Mauritians, they make up about 3% of the population. They have adopted the Christian religion and are mostly Catholic. Although they are a minority, they have contributed to shaping the country's history.
All about Mauritian nationality
There are several advantages to obtaining Mauritian nationality. Firstly, it can be passed from a parent to their offspring. Secondly, it can open doors such as access to real estate programs reserved for residents. It is also more advantageous to invest without being subject to the rules applicable to non-residents. And finally, nationality gives the right to stay indefinitely on Mauritian territory.
Conditions for obtaining Mauritian nationality
Mauritian nationality is only acquired by the approval of the application at the Prime Minister’s Office.
A foreigner can obtain Mauritian nationality under certain conditions. He may invoke the principle of Jus Soli or right of soil, of residence and investment, or the principle of Jus Sanguinis, right of blood, by ancestry.
There are also some investment programs that serve as a gateway to applying for Mauritian nationality:
The Investor Visa
According to article 9(3) of the Mauritius Citizenship Act, naturalization as a Mauritian citizen can be requested if:
a person invests at least 500,000 US dollars in the country;
a person resides for at least two years on the island before the date of application.
2. Real estate investment
The Mauritian government creates many real estate programs allowing access to naturalization, and by extension, contributing to the country's development. Here are some of them:
The IRS or Integrated Resort Scheme involves acquiring luxury real estate on land of at least 10 Ha and costing a minimum of 375,000 USD.
The PDS or Real Estate Scheme involves acquiring a luxury property costing 375,000 USD and offering social, ecological, and environmental benefits.
The SCS or Smart City involves investing in real estate of 375,000 USD in a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly living area.
Discovering Mauritius
Like its neighboring states, the islands of Reunion and Madagascar, Mauritius experiences significant tourist traffic. The island is one of the most appreciated destinations in the world, first and foremost thanks to the warm welcome of the local population and the relatively low crime rate. This is also due to the many tourist sites in the country, like the small island of Rodrigues. To stay in this jewel of the Indian Ocean archipelago, many turn to renting. This option is more comfortable but also cheaper.
Renting and accessing quality accommodation at an affordable price
For a long stay, renting is preferable. This gives you the opportunity to spend your holidays in great comfort without spending a fortune. Dreaming of visiting Mauritius and spending your nights in a 5-star hotel? Is your budget not allowing it? Do some research and turn to renting.
Seasonal rental for more privacy
Renting a villa for your holidays in Mauritius also gives you the opportunity to live in a fully equipped house: oven, microwave, washing machine, etc. If a tourist consults a comparator website page, they can quickly see the different offers and choose the one that fits their budget.
Are you looking to settle in Mauritius and searching for a rental in Mauritius? Are you looking to invest in real estate in Mauritius to have a foothold in this paradise? Do not hesitate to contact one of our BARNES Mauritius real estate agencies so that our advisors can present you our exclusive offers!
