Franco-Mauritians (Mauritians of French ancestry) form around two percent of the population. They are descendants of French settlers, comprising the largest group of European origin. There is a smaller population of British descent, most of whom have been absorbed within the Franco-Mauritian community. There is also a considerable number of white foreign expatriates living in Mauritius, about 8000 from France and 2000 from South Africa. Along with the French European community, there is a small number of British expatriates or people of British descent in Mauritius.