Recent demographic data reveals an intriguing trend in the Republic of Mauritius, where mid-year population figures have steadily increased from 1,175,267 in 1999 to a peak of approximately 1,256,843 in 2018 before slightly declining to 1,245,449 in 2024. Despite this stable population growth, the number of civil marriages performed annually has seen a marked decline over the past two decades.
According to official statistics, the total population of Mauritius, excluding the outer islands of Agalega and Saint Brandon, grew consistently from 1999 through the early 2010s, reaching just over 1.25 million. This growth was accompanied by a relatively stable gender ratio, with male and female populations remaining nearly balanced throughout the period.
However, civil marriage registrations tell a contrasting story. In 1999, the number of civil marriages stood at 11,295, but by 2024, this figure had dropped to just 8,220 — a decline of nearly 27%. The downward trajectory was gradual but steady, with minor fluctuations; for example, the number of marriages dipped below 10,000 for the first time in 2013 and has generally remained under that threshold since.
Experts suggest several factors that may be contributing to this decline in civil marriages despite population growth. Social shifts, including changing attitudes toward marriage, cohabitation, and alternative family structures, may be influencing the declining number of legal unions. Economic pressures and evolving priorities among younger generations could also be playing a role.
Interestingly, while the number of marriages has declined, the total population has remained fairly stable, indicating that fewer people are choosing formal civil unions, but family and population growth are sustained through other means such as births outside marriage or extended family networks.
The data also highlights a slight dip in the total population after 2018, from its peak of 1,256,843 down to 1,245,449 in 2024. Whether this is due to migration, demographic shifts, or other factors will require further study.
Civil authorities and policymakers may need to consider these demographic trends in future planning for social services, family law, and community support programs. Understanding the evolving patterns of marriage and family formation is essential for addressing the needs of Mauritius’s changing society.
Mauritius continues to be a vibrant island nation balancing tradition with modern societal changes, and these numbers provide a window into the evolving dynamics of its population and social fabric.
