Educational development in Mauritius is directed by a Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs in conjunction with a government appointed advisory board. Education is the largest single item in the national budget and comprises 25% of estimated annual expenditure for 1977-8. The primary education system serves 92% of the primary school age population. The teacher pupil ratio is 1:27 and promotion from grade to grade is automatic with a comprehensive exam administered at the end of the sixth year. Elementary science and civics have been introduced into the curriculum on an experimental basis. Secondary education offers a broad base core curriculum of academic subjects for the first two years, followed by a scientific, technical, or commercial specialization. The University of Mauritius offers courses in agriculture, administration, and technology. Conscious of the need for continued improvement of the educational system, the government set up a Five Year Plan for 1975-80. Objectives of the Five Year Plan are: (1) democratization of the educational system; (2) balance of facilities between urban and rural areas; (3) curriculum diversification; (4) institution of lifelong learning programs; and (5) adjustment of the educational system to meet manpower requirements. (Author/DB)