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Because the number of options is often limited, small island states
tend to find it uncommonly difficult to strike a balance between
population, envi ronment, and development. Relatively high
population density and small land areas, without much in the way of
natural resources, do not provide the best of circumstances for
improving the living conditions of the popu lation, especially a
fast-growing one. The result is often stunted economic development
and environmental stress both on land and offshore. The
developments in the island state of Mauritius over the past 30
years, however, can serve as an inspiration and illustration of how
extremely ad verse conditions can be overcome. In the early 1960s
Mauritius was trying to cope with rapid population growth, extreme
poverty, and grim economic 2 prospects. Population density was 324
inhabitants per km , total fertility was 5.7, and GNP per capita
was less than $200. In 1990 the situation in Mauritius was
radically different. Although 2 population density had increased to
527 inhabitants per km , total fertility had dropped to 2.0, and
GNP per capita had increased to $2,310. Economic stagnation had
been replaced by steady growth and full employment, and
environmental problems were being addressed as issues of high
priority.
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