Retirement in Mauritius Tip #10: A Place Where Different Faiths Live Side by Side
One of the things that surprised me most about retiring to Mauritius wasn't the beaches or the climate. It was the people.
On an island of just 1.3 million people, you'll find Hindu temples, over 100 Catholic churches, mosques, Sikh gurdwaras and one Jewish synagogue, all part of everyday life.
Few places in the world combine so many cultures so peacefully, in fact Mauritius is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries.
Around half the population is Hindu, about a quarter is Christian (primarily Catholic), almost one in five is Muslim. There are also small Sikh and Jewish communities, alongside people of many other backgrounds.
As you travel around the island, you'll see beautiful Hindu temples, Catholic churches, mosques, and other places of worship, often just minutes apart.
What's even more remarkable is that in Mauritius, it's perfectly normal for people of different faiths to celebrate each other's festivals, which means more invitations, more great food, and more reasons to smile.
If you're considering retiring overseas, that's worth thinking about. Living in a country where different cultures have learned to coexist creates a welcoming atmosphere that most newcomers appreciate.
For me, that's one more reason Mauritius feels less like a holiday destination… and more like home.
Scott Oliver is a retired British writer and independent researcher living in Mauritius. A former Royal Marines Commando and former Wall Street investment professional, he has spent more than four decades living and working internationally across 14 countries. During that time, he worked extensively in international wealth management, cross-border asset protection, international business structuring and global residency planning.
Today, Scott's focus is no longer on managing money or providing professional advice. Instead, through MauritiusWealth.mu, he writes independent educational articles designed to help successful African business owners ask better questions, make better decisions and, when appropriate, identify the right expertise to help protect everything they have spent a lifetime building.
His articles are published solely for general educational and informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal, financial, tax, immigration, investment or other professional advice. Every business owner's circumstances are unique, and readers requiring professional assistance should always consult an appropriately qualified and licensed professional.