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| Mauritians | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mauritius (people) |
| Population | 1.27 million (approx.) |
| Capital | Port Louis |
| Languages | English language, French language, Hindustani language, Bhojpuri language, Creole language (Mauritius) |
| Religions | Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism |
| Related | Réunionnais, Seychellois, Indo-Mauritians, Creoles (people) |
Mauritians Mauritians are the inhabitants of the island nation centered on Port Louis, an ethnically diverse population shaped by migrations, indenture, colonization, and trade. The community reflects historical ties with France, United Kingdom, India, Africa, China, and Portugal, producing distinctive cultural expressions in music, cuisine, and public life. National institutions such as the National Assembly (Mauritius) and cultural events like the Festival Kreol embody plural civic identity alongside regional connections to Mascarene Islands.
Settlement patterns involve pre-European visits by sailors linked to Austronesian expansion and later formal colonization by Dutch Mauritius, French East India Company, and the British Empire. The island featured plantations tied to the Atlantic slave trade and later systems of Indian indenture after the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 reshaped labor regimes. Political milestones include the transfer under the Treaty of Paris (1814), municipal developments in Port Louis, and independence achieved through negotiations influenced by figures associated with Labour Party (Mauritius), culminating in the formation of the Republic of Mauritius.
Population data are collected by the Central Statistics Office (Mauritius), showing concentrations in Plaines Wilhems District, Port Louis, and Black River District. Urbanization trends parallel infrastructure projects like expansions at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and housing in Quatre Bornes. Age structure, fertility rates, and migration flows are analyzed in reports by the Mauritius Revenue Authority and regional bodies such as the African Union. International migration links the island to France, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.
Major communities include descendants of Indian indentured labourers associated with regions such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, communities tracing ancestry to French settlers and the Enslaved Africans brought via Mozambique and Madagascar, and descendants of Chinese immigrants from Guangdong. Distinct groups have produced notable personalities who engage with institutions like Université de Maurice and artistic movements reflected in festivals such as Seggae events tied to artists influenced by Kaya (musician). Ethnic identities interact with political organizations including Militant Socialist Movement and civil society groups like Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Multilingualism centers on Bhojpuri language, Hindi language, Urdu language, Tamil language, Telugu language, and the locally evolved Creole language (Mauritius), with French language and English language used in official, legal, and media contexts. Legislative texts from the Mauritius Law Reform Commission and school curricula from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (Mauritius) reflect code-switching between French language newspapers, BBC reports, and programming on Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. Literary production engages authors publishing in multiple languages and participating in events tied to the International Francophone Organization.
Religious diversity includes practitioners of Hinduism with festivals such as Mahashivratri observed across towns, communities of Roman Catholicism associated with the Diocese of Port-Louis, Sunni and Shi'a communities linked to mosques and organizations informed by networks to Al-Azhar University and regional halal certification bodies, and Buddhism practiced within temples reflecting ties to China. Religious holidays intersect with national calendars administered by the Public Holidays Act (Mauritius), and interfaith dialogues involve NGOs and faith leaders who engage with the UNESCO cultural programs.
Cultural life features musical genres like Sega (music), Seggae, and contemporary fusion drawing on influences from Bob Marley and Zouk artists; performers and composers collaborate with venues in Port Louis and events such as Festival international kreol. Culinary traditions combine recipes influenced by Indian cuisine, French cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and African ingredients showcased in markets like Port Louis Central Market. Visual arts, theatre, and film involve practitioners participating in festivals linked to the Mauritius Film Development Corporation and touring circuits that include Réunion and Madagascar.
Economic transformation moved from sugarcane plantations linked to companies like Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute toward services sectors including finance regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Mauritius), tourism promoted by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and information technology firms interacting with Embassies of Mauritius and trade partners such as India and China. Employment patterns reflect formal sector jobs in banking, export processing zones connected to Textile industry (Mauritius), and small-scale entrepreneurship supported by institutions like the SME Mauritius Ltd..
Diaspora communities in France, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Africa maintain links via remittances and cultural associations that coordinate festivals, consular services at the Embassy of Mauritius in Paris, and alumni networks from University of Mauritius. Transnational identities engage with regional bodies including the Indian Ocean Commission and bilateral arrangements with states such as India and China, while prominent expatriates contribute to arts, academia, and commerce across networks tied to Commonwealth of Nations initiatives.