Mauritius: Demographic Upsurge and Prospect

Abstract

A brief account is given of the demographic and economic history of Mauritius over the last century, and of the close interaction of these factors, and against this background the current situation is reviewed. A relatively static position of high birth and death rates has given way to one of rapid population increase, due in part to a temporary rise in the birth rate, but more especiall to the virtual eradication of the few diseases which had been responsible for the former exceedingly high death rate. Recent improvements in both the quality and detail of population statistics enables the situation to be examined in some detail, and with distinction of the various ethnic groups comprising the Mauritian population. A series of population projections, with all the doubts attached to the assumptions on which they are based, nertheless demonstrate the serious risk of overpopulation facing the country. The various facets of this problem are examined: the possibility of introducing birth control to a primarily Catholic country, of expanding the basic industry—sugar cane exporting, or of establishing new industries.

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