People and Society of Mauritius

Nationality

Mauritian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%

Population

1,310,504

Population in Major Urban Areas

PORT LOUIS (capital) 151,000

Medical facilities are available, but are more limited than in the United States. Emergency assistance is also limited. While public hospitals provide free care, visitors may choose to be treated by private doctors and clinics. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are generally available, though they may not be specific U.S. brand names. Service Aide Medicale Urgence (SAMU) is a government-run medical assistance service that provides free ambulance and emergency assistance in response to calls to 114 (Address: Volcy Pougnet Street, Port Louis). MegaCare is a private organization that provides assistance to subscribers only (Address: 99 Draper Avenue, Quatre Bornes; phone: 116; 464-6116). Point aux Canonnier Medical Center tel: 263-1010, Private Clinic Fortis Darne tel: 118, and Private Clinic Apollo Bramwell tel: 132 also provide paid Ambulance Service.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Mauritius stands among the highest on the African continent, reflecting the island nation's strong public health infrastructure, accessible medical care, and relatively high standard of living. As of the most recent estimates, the overall life expectancy at birth is approximately 74 to 75 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 77 to 78 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 71 to 72 years — a gap consistent with global patterns observed across many countries. This relatively high figure is the result of several decades of sustained investment in healthcare. Mauritius operates a universal public health system that provides free medical services to all citizens, from primary care clinics to hospital treatment. This broad access has contributed to lower rates of infant and child mortality, both of which factor significantly into life expectancy calculations. The infant mortality rate in Mauritius has declined considerably over the past few decades, falling to approximately 12 to 13 deaths per 1,000 live births in recent years. Mauritius has undergone an epidemiological transition typical of upper-middle-income countries, shifting from infectious diseases as the primary cause of death toward non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Diabetes in particular presents a significant public health challenge on the island, with prevalence rates among the highest in the region, and it remains a factor that places downward pressure on continued life expectancy gains. Despite these challenges, overall trends reflect meaningful long-term progress. Life expectancy in Mauritius has risen by more than a decade since the 1960s, when figures were considerably lower due to higher rates of infectious disease and limited medical infrastructure. It is worth noting that life expectancy saw a modest dip in the early 2020s, largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a pattern observed in many countries globally. Ongoing government initiatives focused on preventive care, diabetes management, and health education continue to support incremental improvements. The country's performance in this area has made it a notable example of health development success within sub-Saharan Africa and the broader Indian Ocean region.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Hindu52.0%
• Christian28.0%
• Muslim17.0%
• other3.0%

English (official), Creole, French (official), Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri

• Bhojpuri
• Creole
• English
• French
• French
• Hindi
• Urdu

Crime Information

Violent and petty crime is increasingly common in tourist areas throughout Mauritius. Visitors should keep track of their belongings at all times due to thepotential for pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, especially in crowded areas.Residential break-ins are reported frequently on the island. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels. Foreigners should exercise caution on beaches and poorly-lit or deserted areas at night. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bootlegs are illegal in the United States, and their purchase may also violate local laws in Mauritius.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Mauritius, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. Certain actions might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Driving under the influence of alcohol in Mauritius could land you immediately in jail. If you break local laws in Mauritius, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Mauritian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines in Mauritius. Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.