Mauritius Climbs to 73rd in Human Development, But Social Disparities Still High

Mauritius has moved into the ranks of nations with “very high” human development. In the global league table of 193 countries, the island nation has secured an impressive 73rd position in 2023, boasting a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.806—a remarkable leap from 0.796 in 2022.

This progression signals steadfast advancement in vital domains such as life expectancy, education, and income, as affirmed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Despite the strides forward, Mauritius forfeits 17% of its developmental promise when adjusted for disparities, a sobering figure that underscores ongoing social fissures.

The journey of progress is charted through decades:

• 1990: HDI at 0.627
• 2000: HDI rises to 0.683
• 2010: HDI surges to 0.755

When factoring in social disparities, Mauritius’s position shifts to 87th place in the inequality index, exposing deep-rooted gender gaps and uneven access to opportunities.

Key indicators reveal the extent of these divides:

• Adjusted HDI for inequalities: 0.669
• Human Inequality Coefficient: 16.2%
• Life expectancy gap: 9.8%
• Adjusted life expectancy index: 0.762
• Education inequality: 7.4%
• Adjusted education index: 0.676
• Income inequality: a staggering 31.4%
• Adjusted income index: 0.581
• Gini coefficient (2010-2023): 36.8

Human Development

The UNDP’s annual Human Development Report, initiated in 1990, measures progress through the HDI—a composite of health, education, and standard of living—while increasingly incorporating metrics of inequality and gender disparities.

This year’s edition, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” underscores the pressing need for deliberate policies to foster inclusive growth.

Notably, Mauritius stands out as one of only two countries in sub-Saharan Africa—alongside Seychelles—to belong to this elite cadre of nations with “very high” human development.

Human Development Report 2025, United Nations Development Programme

Source: Defi Media