Religions and Ethnic Groups in Mauritius

Mauritius - Multi Ethnical Country

Mauritius is famous for being a multi ethnical and multi cultural island. The various religions found on Mauritius tend to play a major part in the island's cultural events and churches, temples and mosques are to be found everywhere.

The reason for the many ethnic groups composing the Mauritian society, is that the country knew throughout its history many periods in which settlers, slaves, indentured laborers, and immigrants were brought to the island.

Throughout the country, there is a strong correlation between religious affiliation and ethnicity.

Religions and Ethnic Groups

The creoles and Franco Mauritians are Christian while most of the Muslims and Hindu population are of south Asian origin. However some do comes from malayam, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other regions of India. While most Muslims came from Urdu and Arabic speaking areas of south Asia. Some part of the population consists of Chinese, Christianity, Buddhism and Confucian traditions. Those of Chinese descent are often nominally Buddhists, but practicing Catholics.

Hindus constitute about 50% of the total population. Christians make up about 32% with a vast majority (about 85% of all Christians) affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. Other Christian denominations include Adventists, Assembly of God, Christian Tamil, Church of England, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

About 16% of the population are Muslims, with a majority being Sunni. There are a small number of Buddhists.

Due to the fact the Hindus consist of half of the local population, many Hindu and Tamil celebrations have become part of Mauritian cultural life.
Today, Hindus festivals and holidays such as Divali (the festival of lights), Holi and Thai Poosam, are attended by all Mauritians.

Although the country's past contains dark chapters of inequality and exploitation, modern Mauritian history has been remarkable for its relatively smooth and peaceful transition from colonial rule and the rule of large plantation owners to multiparty democracy.