Mauritius: 10 things to know about Africa’s most peaceful country

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Mauritius has once again been ranked as Africa’s most peaceful country, holding this title for an impressive 18th consecutive year. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this small island nation punches above its weight in governance, stability, and quality of life. Here are 10 key things to know about this peaceful paradise:

1. Mauritius Is Africa’s Most Peaceful Country — Again

Mauritius topped the 2025 Global Peace Index in Africa and ranked 26th globally with a peace score of 1.586. It has maintained this continental lead for 18 straight years due to its low crime rate, political stability, and minimal internal conflict.

2. It’s an Island Nation in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius is located about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa, east of Madagascar. The country is made up of the main island of Mauritius and several smaller outer islands, offering breathtaking beaches, coral reefs, and lagoons.

3. It Has One of the Highest Human Development Indexes (HDI) in Africa

Mauritius boasts one of the highest standards of living in Africa, with a strong education system, universal healthcare, and diversified economy. It ranks high on the Human Development Index, a UN metric that assesses health, income, and education.

4. Mauritius Is a Multi-Ethnic, Multicultural Society

The country is home to a mix of Indian, African, Chinese, and European heritage. Its major religions include Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, and its official language is English, though French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken.

5. It Has a Strong Democratic Tradition

Mauritius is known for its stable parliamentary democracy. The country holds free and fair elections, has a vibrant civil society, and ranks highly on governance indices. Its legal system is based on a hybrid of French civil law and British common law.

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6. The Economy Is Diversified and Business-Friendly

Mauritius has moved beyond its colonial-era dependence on sugar to become a diversified economy. Key sectors include tourism, textiles, financial services, ICT, and more recently, renewable energy and ocean economy. It’s also known as one of Africa’s top investment destinations.

7. It Was the First African Country to Launch a COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

Mauritius was among the first African countries to implement a widespread and efficient COVID-19 vaccination drive, helping it reopen its economy faster than many peers and maintain a high level of public health responsiveness.

8. Home to Rare Wildlife and Unique Biodiversity

Mauritius is famed for once being the home of the now-extinct dodo bird, but it still boasts unique flora and fauna. Its Black River Gorges National Park, coral reefs, and endemic plants make it a biodiversity hotspot.

9. Mauritius Has No Standing Army

Remarkably, Mauritius does not maintain a standing army. Instead, it relies on a paramilitary police force and strong diplomatic relations, reflecting its long-standing commitment to peace and internal security.

10. It’s a Top Tourist Destination

With its clear turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and water sports, Mauritius is consistently ranked among the top island destinations in the world. In 2024 alone, it welcomed over 1.2 million tourists, contributing significantly to its economy.