The economy of Mauritius has traditionally been controlled by a single cash crop, sugarcane. More than half the cultivated land is planted with sugarcane; sugar and molasses are major exports. Other crops include tea, peanuts, tobacco, and vegetables. Manufactures include refined sugar and sugar by-products, fertilizers, beverages, electronic components, and leather goods. The clothing and textile industry boomed during the 1980s, and tourism is increasingly valuable. The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee.

The industrial area accounts for around one-quarter of the GDP but employs two-fifths of the work force. There has been a steady increase in manufacturing. The Mauritius Export Processing Zone, which concentrates on labour-intensive processing of imported raw materials or semifinished goods for the export market, has successfully attracted foreign investment. Economically valuable manufactures include textiles, electronics, plastic and leather goods, and synthetic gemstones. Electricity is largely generated from imported petroleum.Services account for more than half of the GDP and employ two-fifths of the population. remarkable growth in the tourism industry during the 1970s has made tourism a major earner of foreign exchange. An offshore banking facility began operations in 1989.

Since freedom in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the time, annual growth has been in the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 9,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and investment in the banking area alone has reached over $1 billion. Economic performance since 1991 has continued strong with solid growth and low unemployment.