[1] Within the General Population, there is a further division based on skin colour and social status.

According to the Constitution of Mauritius there are 4 distinct communities on the island for representation in the National Assembly.

[2]Thus each ethnic group in Mauritius falls within one of the four main communities known as Hindus, General Population, Muslims and Sino-Mauritians.

[3][4] In 1829 an Ordinance in Council abolished racial discrimination for free subjects of all ethnic groups on the island.

During the census of 1846 the distinct groups were defined as "General Population", "Ex-apprentices (freed slaves)", and "Indian and other immigrant labourers".