About Rodrigues > Population

Rodrigues has a population of around 40,000 souls, more women than men. 98% are creoles (known in Mauritius as 'general population').

The catholic faith is predominant (97.5% of the population). The Catholic Church is profoundly rooted in the Rodriguan society : the first priest arrived in 1850 while the Pope John Paul II came in 1989. The colourful pageantry of churchgoers pouring out of Saint Gabriel after the Sunday mass should not be missed.

The Anglican Church, the Adventist Church and the Assemblies of God are also present in Rodrigues.There is a very lovely Muslim mosque in Port Mathurin and in the village of Crève Coeur, the Hindus have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.