Franco-Mauritian
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Franco-Mauritians are people of French origin who reside in Mauritius.
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[edit] Origins
The first Franco-Mauritians arrived to colonise Mauritius after the Portuguese and Dutch abandoned the islands. They set up sugarcane plantations, then imported slaves from Africa and Madagascar to work for them. They soon became the richest ethnic group in Mauritius. After the British took over Mauritius, the Franco-Mauritians were allowed to retain their language and customs. Although there are a minority of individuals amongst Creoles that have both French and Afro-Malagasy origins, they do not identify themselves as Franco-Mauritian.
[edit] Franco-Mauritians Today
The Franco-Mauritians have remained the wealthiest population on the island, despite the Indo-Mauritian majority. The majority are still screened off from the general population, living in large house or mansions in the center and south of Mauritius. Hovever, there are now many middle-class Franco-Mauritians all over Mauritius.
[edit] Demographic factors
The religious Franco-Mauritians are Catholic. The remainder are non-religious.
[edit] Notable Franco-Mauritians
- Paul Bérenger, former Prime Minister of Mauritius
