The rate of natural increase (RNI) in Mauritius has declined significantly over recent decades and is currently among the lowest in the African region. As of the early 2020s, Mauritius's RNI hovers around 0.3% per year, reflecting low birth rates and an aging population. In comparison, neighboring countries such as Madagascar and the Seychelles exhibit higher RNIs—Madagascar, for instance, maintains an RNI of approximately 2.5%, driven by higher fertility rates and a younger population structure. The Seychelles, while also experiencing a decline, still has a higher RNI than Mauritius at around 0.7%. These contrasts highlight Mauritius's advanced demographic transition, characterized by slower population growth and greater life expectancy, setting it apart from its regional peers who are still experiencing more robust natural population increases.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 1.195 | 1,020,544 |
| 1990 | 1.467 | 1,061,598 |
| 1995 | 1.17 | 1,123,115 |
| 2000 | 1.054 | 1,186,451 |
| 2005 | 0.828 | 1,243,231 |
| 2010 | 0.464 | 1,281,606 |
| 2015 | 0.3 | 1,296,195 |
| 2020 | 0.122 | 1,305,308 |
| 2024 | 0.074 | 1,310,504 |
| 2025 | 0.059 | 1,311,375 |
| 2026 | 0.042 | 1,312,042 |
| 2030 | -0.043 | 1,312,112 |
| 2035 | -0.18 | 1,305,007 |
| 2040 | -0.327 | 1,288,578 |
| 2045 | -0.45 | 1,263,605 |
| 2050 | -0.535 | 1,232,670 |
| 2055 | -0.59 | 1,198,344 |
| 2060 | -0.639 | 1,162,131 |
| 2065 | -0.708 | 1,123,736 |
| 2070 | -0.78 | 1,082,622 |
| 2075 | -0.836 | 1,039,692 |
| 2080 | -0.873 | 996,065 |
| 2085 | -0.887 | 953,108 |
| 2090 | -0.895 | 911,550 |
| 2095 | -0.88 | 871,862 |
| 2100 | -0.836 | 835,224 |
Data from US Census International Database