In 2026, Mauritius has around 1.25 million inhabitants.
If you are looking for the exact figure, we must distinguish the latest official data published (national census and estimates) of international projections (useful for anticipating 2026). In this article, we bring together the most reliable benchmarks, explain why some figures differ, and translate these demographic trends into concrete implications for expatriates and investors.
Population of Mauritius in 2026: key facts
- Last official “solid” benchmark” : THE census 2022 noted 1 235 260 inhabitants for the Republic of Mauritius. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
- Latest official “recent” benchmark” : END 2024, The population is estimated at 1 244 477. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
- Official “mid-year” benchmark” : At July 1, 2025, The population is estimated at 1 243 741. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
- Order of magnitude 2026 International sources indicate a population of around 1.25 to 1.26 million (Projection/estimation according to methodology).imf.org)
Official figures: census and latest national estimates
2022 Census: The Reference Point
THE 2022 population census (main results) is the most robust basis for understanding Mauritian demography. It indicates a resident population of 1 235 260 inhabitants for the Republic of Mauritius (with details by island: Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega).statsmauritius.govmu.org)
The census also highlights a structural trend: aging (increase in median age to 38 years old according to the “main results”). (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
End of 2024: the last "full year" photo published
In its annual bulletin, Statistics Mauritius indicates that at December 31, 2024, the population of the Republic of Mauritius settled in 1 244 477 inhabitants, including 615,784 men And 628,693 women. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
The same document specifies that the population has decreased by 2,840 over the year 2024 (compared to the end of 2023), i.e. -0,23%. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Mid-2025: an estimate “as of July 1st”
At July 1, 2025, Statistics Mauritius publishes an estimate of 1 243 741 inhabitants (Republic of Mauritius), with a distribution by islands: 1 198 812 (MAURITIUS), 44 599 (Rodrigues), 330 (Agalega & St Brandon). (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Summary table (census, latest estimates, order of magnitude 2026)
| Landmark | Date | Population | Nature of the figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census (Population) | 2022 | 1 235 260 | Official data (census) |
| National estimate (full year) | December 31, 2024 | 1 244 477 | Official data (national estimate) |
| National estimate (mid-year) | July 1, 2025 | 1 243 741 | Official data (national estimate) |
| International projection (order of magnitude) | 2026 | ~1.25–1.26 million | International projection/estimate (separate methodology) |
Sources: Statistics Mauritius (census 2022, bulletins 2024 and Jan–Jun 2025). (statsmauritius.govmu.org) International data for anticipation of 2026: IMF “At a glance” and extraction based on World Population Prospects (via compilations).imf.org)
Why the figures vary depending on the source (and how to interpret them in 2026)
It is common to see discrepancies between:
- official national figures (definition “resident”, post-census update methods, series sometimes revised),
- international estimates/projections (global harmonization, assumptions on birth, death and migration rates, comparability between countries).
For an expatriation or investment project in Mauritius, the best approach is to:
- take Statistics Mauritius as a “field” reference (public services, schools, hospitals, planning), (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
- use the projections to understand the trajectory (aging population, workforce, housing demand), while keeping in mind that this is about’assumptions. (statisticstimes.com)
Key demographic trends in Mauritius (useful for planning for 2026)
A population in slight decline (annual decrease)
At the end of 2024, Statistics Mauritius indicates a decrease in 2 840 inhabitants over the year (from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024), i.e. -0,23%. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Births and deaths: a very low natural balance
In 2024, there are 12,853 births And 12,507 deaths recorded. This leaves a natural balance weakly positive, This helps to understand why the population changes little from year to year (and why migration often plays a decisive role in the final level).statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Aging: a central issue
The 2022 census highlights an increase in the median age at 38 years old. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
And the dependency indicator (ratio of young people + seniors vs. the "working-age" population) is increasing: 431,7 in 2024 (compared to 424.8 in 2023).statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Distribution by islands: Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega
For the relocation process, this is a very concrete distinction: the majority of the population lives on the main island (Mauritius), while Rodrigues and the smaller islands have very different population sizes (and therefore specific housing, employment, and infrastructure dynamics). As of July 1, 2025: 1 198 812 (MAURITIUS), 44 599 (Rodrigues), 330 (Agalega & St Brandon). (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Population density: a small, densely populated territory
Mauritius is an island country of limited size. With an order of magnitude of approximately 1.24 to 1.26 million of inhabitants, the density far exceeds 600 inhabitants/km² (based on the "land" area often used in international comparisons).statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Concrete impacts in 2026 for expatriates and investors
Job market: shortages of certain profiles, opportunities for rare skills
An aging population and low demographic growth tend to increase the importance of the country's attractiveness to skilled professionals (managers, entrepreneurs, in-demand professions). This often translates into a need for talent and an increased interest in "turnkey" solutions: permits, business creation, family relocation.
Real estate: demand structured by business parks and services
In a densely populated area, location matters: proximity to employment hubs, schools, infrastructure, and the coastline. To explore your options (residential, investment, or lifestyle project), you can start with the page Living in Mauritius: turnkey expatriation and real estate.
Schools, health, services: demographics influence planning
The aging and stability of the population size influence the supply of healthcare, the demand for education by age group, and the planning of public services. To prepare for your move (and avoid making decisions blindly), rely on official data and local feedback, then compare them to your specific situation (budget, neighborhood, career plans, education).
Where to find the best sources on the population of Mauritius
- Statistics Mauritius : census and “Population and Vital Statistics” bulletins (the most useful references on a daily basis).statsmauritius.govmu.org)
- IMF (IMF) : macro indicators, including a detailed population figure in the country profiles (useful for contextualization).imf.org)
- UN projections (WPP) : an international reference for future projections, with demographic assumptions (when accessible via portals/datasets).github.com)
To learn more about life there (procedures, settling in, practical information), also consult the expatriation guides from Expat Mauritius.
FAQ – Population of Mauritius: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mauritius in 2026 (most credible figure)?
In 2026, the most reasonable order of magnitude is around 1.25 million inhabitants, based on the latest national estimates published (end of 2024: 1,244,477; mid-2025: 1,243,741) and on international indicators that are in a similar range. For a strictly “official” figure, we must wait for the most recent annual publication from Statistics Mauritius covering 2025/2026.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Why do some websites indicate ~1.27 million when the national figures are closer to 1.24 million?
The discrepancies most often stem from the method (population definition, post-census series revisions, migration assumptions) and the date (Mid-year vs. end of year). National agencies publish estimates adapted to the local context, while international databases harmonize countries for comparison and projection. The best approach is to prioritize Statistics Mauritius for practical decisions (housing, schools, services), and to use international projections to analyze trends.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Is the population of Mauritius increasing or decreasing in recent years?
Recent publications suggest rather a slight decrease. For example, Statistics Mauritius indicates that between the end of 2023 and the end of 2024, the population decreased by 2 840 people (i.e. -0,23%This small variation is explained by limited natural growth (births close to deaths) and, depending on the period, by the effect of migration. In short: we are not experiencing a “population explosion”, but rather a stable to slightly declining population.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
What is the population distribution between Mauritius and Rodrigues?
The vast majority of the population lives on Mauritius. At July 1, 2025, Statistics Mauritius indicates 1 198 812 inhabitants on Mauritius, versus 44 599 in Rodrigues (and 330 (in Agalega & St Brandon). For an expatriation project, this matters: job opportunities, housing availability, choice of schools, and access to certain services vary greatly from island to island.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Where can I check official population figures before moving?
Source #1 is Statistics Mauritius : THE census (e.g., 2022) and the “Population and Vital Statistics” bulletins (annual and semi-annual). These publications provide totals, the distribution by island, as well as indicators such as births, deaths, and dependency ratios. In addition, organizations such as the IMF provide contextual figures, useful for comparing and understanding macro trends.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
And now ?
Are you considering living or investing in Mauritius and want to validate your project with reliable information (neighborhoods, budget, education, permits, starting a business, real estate)? Expat Mauritius can support you with a comprehensive and personalized approach. To get started, consult the main Expat Mauritius page and discover useful resources in the expatriation guides, then contact the team via the channels available on the site (phone, WhatsApp, email or form).
