Today, the multi-cultural nation of Mauritius numbers some 1.3 million people with nearly as many again forming the Mauritian diaspora overseas. 70% of the population are descended from Indian immigrants and of these 52% are Hindu. Of the remaining population most are of African or Malagasy descent, while people of European and Chinese origin represent small minorities.

English remains the official language but French is the language of the media and many Mauritians. Creole, a language born out of the meeting of French and African languages has became the lingua franca of Mauritius, while Bhojpuri is commonly spoken by the Indian community who brought their linguistic heritage across the ocean: Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu and Marathi.

With its motto “Unity in Diversity”, the Mauritian population and its various communities constitute a peaceful and successful plural society.

• Population 1.3 million
• English is the official language
• French widely spoken