Surface area, basicity and base strength distribution (weak, strong and intermediate strength basic sites) of magnesium oxide obtained from magnesium hydroxide prepared using different magnesium salts, precipitating agents, precipitating conditions (viz. concentration, pH and temperature) and aging periods, and calcined at different temperatures (873-1173 K) have been investigated. The basicity and base strength distribution on the different magnesium oxide samples have been determined by stepwise thermal desorption of carbon dioxide from 323 to 1173 K. The surface properties are found to be strongly influenced by the above preparation conditions of magnesium hydroxide and also by its calcination temperature.