Mauritian youth represent nearly 30% of the country’s population. These young people, generally aged between 15 and 30, live in a rapidly changing environment, where tradition and modernity coexist. Understanding their daily lives, challenges and aspirations is to grasp a part of the soul of Mauritius.
Education and employment
Education remains a major priority for young Mauritians. School enrolment rates are high, with over 90% of young people aged 15 to 24 attending school or university. Many pursue higher education, either in Mauritius or abroad, for example in France, the United Kingdom or Australia.
However, youth unemployment remains a concern, reaching around 18% in 2023 according to Statistics Mauritius. This reality is prompting some young people to turn to entrepreneurship, with notable growth in start-ups in the digital, tourism and sustainable agriculture sectors.
Hobbies and interests
Sport plays an important role in their lives. Football, which is widely played in Mauritius, is popular at both amateur and competitive levels. Local music, such as sega and reggae, is also part of the daily lives of some young people and their cultural identity.
Social media is everywhere: over 70% of young people actively use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which influence their habits, relationships, and perception of the world.
Values and concerns
Despite growing openness to the world, young Mauritians remain attached to their traditions. Many are involved in preserving their culture, while also being aware of global issues such as climate change. Some participate in social and environmental initiatives, demonstrating an increasingly strong civic consciousness.
Between roots and renewal
The daily lives of young people in Mauritius reflect a balance between cultural heritage and modern ambitions. Faced with challenges such as unemployment, they remain a driving force, determined to build a sustainable and innovative future for their island.
