Réunion

Réunion is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. It is part of the Mascarene Islands and is located about 679 kilometres east of Madagascar and 175 kilometres southwest of Mauritius. As of January 2026, the island had a population of 910,985 people, with Saint-Denis being the capital and largest city.

Before French settlers arrived in the 17th century, Réunion was an uninhabited island. Over time, its warm climate helped create farms, especially for growing sugar. People from many places, including East Africa, Malays, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indians, came to work there. Today, most people on the island have mixed backgrounds, and they mainly speak Réunion Creole, although French is the official language.

Since 1946, Réunion has been governed as a French region, which means it has the same status as areas in Metropolitan France. It is one of the farthest areas of the European Union and uses the euro currency. Because of its important location, France keeps a strong military force on the island.

Name

The French claimed the island in the 17th century and called it Isle Bourbon after the House of Bourbon, the rulers of France at that time. Later, in 1793, it was renamed La Réunion by the National Convention. This name likely honored a gathering of people before a big event in 1792.

The island was called Isle Bonaparte after Napoleon in 1806, then went back to Isle Bourbon in 1810. Finally, in 1848, it was officially named La Réunion again. Today, the name is written as "La Réunion" with a capital letter, following French rules.

History

Réunion has been home to people since the 1600s, when settlers from France and Madagascar arrived. On December 20, 1848, slavery was ended on the island, a day still celebrated today. Even after this, workers from places like South India were brought to the island. In 1946, Réunion officially became a part of France.

Before Europeans arrived in the 1500s, not much was known about Réunion. It may have been visited by sailors from Africa or Indonesia. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to find the island around 1507. France later claimed it in 1642 and named it Île Bourbon. The French used the land for growing coffee and sugar, with enslaved people doing most of the work.

During the late 1700s and early 1800s, Réunion was caught up in wars between France and other countries. The island changed names a few times, becoming Réunion in 1793 and again in 1848. After slavery ended, new workers came from other countries under contracts, though some were still treated unfairly.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Réunion faced economic changes. The opening of a major canal in 1869 reduced the island’s importance as a stop for ships. But new roads, railroads, and harbors were built, helping the island grow.

During World War II, Réunion was controlled by a group in France that was not fighting the war. It was later freed by French forces who supported the fight against the war.

In 1946, Réunion became an official part of France. In the late 1900s, the island began to shift from farming sugar to welcoming tourists. By the year 2000, more people visited Réunion than the island made from sugar.

In 2005 and 2006, a disease spread by mosquitoes affected many people on the island. In March 2025, a big storm caused damage and left many without power or water.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Réunion

Further information: Elections in Réunion

Réunion sends seven deputies to the French National Assembly and three senators to the Senate.

Status

Réunion is an overseas department and region of France governed by article 73 of the Constitution of France. The laws and rules that apply in mainland France also apply here. Réunion has a regional council and a departmental council, similar to other parts of France, but with some special changes. The state is represented in Réunion by a prefect. The island is divided into four districts: Saint-Benoît, Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul, and Saint-Pierre. From the European Union's view, Réunion is considered an "outermost region".

Geopolitics

Réunion's location has made it important at different times in history. In the past, when ships traveled the India Route, Réunion was a French place between Cape Town and Indian trading spots. Later, the opening of the Suez Canal changed trade routes, reducing Réunion's importance. Today, Réunion is a base for the French Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean and is part of a defense and security zone. It is also the home of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Because of Réunion, France is part of the Indian Ocean Commission, which includes Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Arrondissements of the Réunion department, Cantons of the Réunion department, and Communes of the Réunion department

Réunion is divided into 24 communes, which are like small towns or villages. These communes are grouped into four arrondissements. There are also 25 cantons, but these are mainly used for voting.

The communes work together in five groups, called agglomeration communities, to help each other with local projects and decisions. These groups have their own money and plans, and they get some support from the government and the European Union.

Name	Area (km2)	Population (2019)	Coat of arms	Arrondissement	Map
Les Avirons	26.27	11,440		Saint-Pierre
Bras-Panon	88.55	13,057		Saint-Benoît
Cilaos	84.4	5,538		Saint-Pierre
Entre-Deux	66.83	6,927		Saint-Pierre
L'Étang-Salé	38.65	14,059		Saint-Pierre
Petite-Île	33.93	12,395		Saint-Pierre
La Plaine-des-Palmistes	83.19	6,626		Saint-Benoît
Le Port	16.62	32,977		Saint-Paul
La Possession	118.35	32,985		Saint-Paul
Saint-André	53.07	56,902		Saint-Benoît
Saint-Benoît	229.61	37,036		Saint-Benoît
Saint-Denis	142.79	153,810		Saint-Denis
Saint-Joseph	178.5	37,918		Saint-Pierre
Saint-Leu	118.37	34,586		Saint-Paul
Saint-Louis	98.9	53,120		Saint-Pierre
Saint-Paul	241.28	103,208		Saint-Paul
Saint-Philippe	153.94	5,198		Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre	95.99	84,982		Saint-Pierre
Sainte-Marie	87.21	34,061		Saint-Denis
Sainte-Rose	177.6	6,345		Saint-Benoît
Sainte-Suzanne	58.84	24,065		Saint-Denis
Salazie	103.82	7,136		Saint-Benoît
Le Tampon	165.43	79,824		Saint-Pierre
Les Trois-Bassins	42.58	7,015		Saint-Paul

Foreign relations

Even though Paris handles diplomacy, military, and French government matters for Réunion, the island is a member of several international groups on its own. These include La Francophonie, the Indian Ocean Commission, the International Trade Union Confederation, the Universal Postal Union, the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, and the World Federation of Trade Unions.

Defense

The French Armed Forces protect this island and also help defend other French areas nearby, like Mayotte and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. There are around 2,000 soldiers based here, mainly at the 2nd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment. They use two CASA CN 235 planes for moving troops and watching the area. In 2022, the French Air Force showed they could send more help, like two Rafale fighter planes and a special fuel plane, from France for training.

The navy has two Floréal-class frigates, an icebreaker called L'Astrolabe, and several patrol boats. They also have helicopters that can land on the ships. By 2030, they plan to grow their backup forces here. Additionally, about 800 officers from the National Gendarmerie work in Réunion to keep order.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Réunion

The island of Réunion is found in the Indian Ocean. It is 63 km long and 45 km wide, covering an area of 2,512 km². The island sits above a hotspot in the Earth's crust. Two major volcanoes shape the island: Piton de la Fournaise and Piton des Neiges.

Piton de la Fournaise is very active and has erupted over 100 times since 1640. The other volcano, Piton des Neiges, is the highest point on the island at 3,071 m above sea level but is no longer active. The island also features deep valleys and three large circular valleys called cirques. The capital city, Saint-Denis, and other towns lie along the coast, while the interior is mountainous and forested.

The climate of Réunion is tropical but varies greatly due to the island's terrain. The east side receives much more rain than the west, and temperatures are cooler in the highlands compared to the coast. The island experiences a rainy season from January to March and a drier season from May to November. Some areas receive enormous amounts of rain, making Réunion one of the wettest places in the world.

Réunion has many beautiful beaches. Hermitage Beach is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. Other beaches offer activities like surfing and movies shown on large screens. The beaches vary in color, from white sand to black sand formed from cooled lava.

Environment

See also: Réunion National Park

Flora

Réunion Island has many different plants and trees. The island has over 850 plants that grew there before humans arrived, and many of these are found only on Réunion. The plants change depending on where they grow, like near the coast or high in the mountains. You can find special plants such as orchids, bromeliads, and cacti growing on other plants.

Wildlife

Main article: Wildlife of Réunion

See also: List of extinct animals of Réunion

Réunion is home to many birds, some of which live only on the island. The largest land animal is the panther chameleon. The west coast has coral reefs with sea urchins, eels, and parrot fish. Sea turtles and dolphins live in the coastal waters. Humpback whales visit the island each winter to breed and feed.

Marine biodiversity

Réunion’s coral reefs have many different sea creatures. Scientists have found over 190 types of corals, more than 1,300 kinds of mollusks, and many fish and other sea animals. The deeper waters have dolphins, whales, and many types of sharks, including whale sharks. Several species of sea turtles live and breed here.

Coral reef

Because Réunion is a young island, its coral reefs are small and not very developed. These reefs form shallow areas called lagoons, with the largest being about 200 meters wide and 1–2 meters deep. The main lagoons are near L'Ermitage, St-Leu, L'Étang-Salé, and St-Pierre.

Management

Since 2010, part of Réunion is a place protected by UNESCO, covering about 40% of the island. This area is inside the Réunion National Park.

Gardening and Bourbon roses

The first “Bourbon” roses were found on Réunion in 1817. These roses grew from a mix between Damask roses and a type of rose from China that colonists brought to the island.

Threats to the environment

Coral reefs are very important but also very delicate. Many fish species are in danger because of pollution, fishing too much, and people building homes near the coast. Fifteen species on Réunion are listed as threatened by an international group that watches over nature.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Réunion

The island of Réunion has many people from different backgrounds. Most live in the area around Saint-Denis, which includes several nearby towns.

Over time, many people have moved to Réunion from Metropolitan France. Today, most people on the island were born there, but some come from other places like Mayotte or other parts of France.

Réunion’s people come from many origins, including African, Asian, European, and Malagasy backgrounds. Because families have mixed together for a long time, most people today are of mixed heritage. Groups such as Cafres, Malbars, and Chinois are local names for some of these groups.

Historical population

Major metropolitan areas

The most populous metropolitan area is Saint-Denis, which covers six communes (Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie, La Possession, Sainte-Suzanne, Saint-André, and Bras-Panon) in the north of the island. The three largest metropolitan areas are:

Migration and ethnic groups

See also: Cafres, Malbars, Chinois (Réunion), Zarabes, Zoreilles, and Réunionnais of Indian origin

Réunion has people from many different places. Most were born on the island, but some moved from Metropolitan France, Mayotte, or other areas. In the past, many people came from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, China, and Africa to work on farms. Today, most people are French citizens.

The island’s people include those of African, Asian, European, and Malagasy origins. Local names for these groups are Yabs, Cafres, Malbars, and Chinois. Many families have mixed backgrounds, creating a rich “Creole” culture.

People known as Creoles make up most of the population. Others include recent arrivals from Metropolitan France (called zoreilles), people from Mayotte and the Comoros, and some from Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Religion

See also: Hinduism in Réunion and Islam in Réunion

Réunion has many different religions. Most people practice Christianity, with the Catholic Church being the main group. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam, and a mix of several religions. About one in five people do not follow any particular religion.

There are also places of worship for different faiths. Big towns usually have a Hindu temple and a mosque. Some people also follow traditions that mix beliefs from different cultures, including Malagasy, Malabar, Comorian, European, and Chinese cultural backgrounds.

Culture

See also: Réunionnais literature

Réunionese culture mixes European, African, Indian, Chinese, and island traditions. The main language spoken is Réunion Creole, which comes from French.

Language

French is the official language of Réunion. Réunion Creole is also widely spoken, especially in informal settings. Other languages include Comorian varieties like Shimaore and Malagasy, spoken by recent immigrants from Mayotte and Madagascar. Mandarin, Hakka, and Cantonese are spoken by the Chinese community. Indian languages such as Tamil, Gujarati, and Hindi, as well as Urdu, are spoken by some immigrants. Cantonese, Arabic, and Tamil are also taught as optional languages in some schools.

Music and dance

Main article: Music of Réunion

See also: Sega music and Maloya

Réunion has two main music styles. Sega is a dance style that comes from a French dance called the quadrille. It is popular on Réunion and other nearby islands. Maloya has roots in African traditions and was created by enslaved people. It was once performed secretly and faced restrictions, but today it is celebrated and recognized as part of Réunion's culture. Every December 20, people in Réunion celebrate Réunion Freedom Day, marking the end of slavery in 1848, with concerts, parades, and dance shows.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Réunion

Common dishes in Réunion often include rice and flavors like turmeric. Popular foods are carry (a local curry), rougail, and stews. Other dishes include achards, bouchon, and various types of rougail. Many dishes feature meat or fish, with few vegetarian options. One special dish is tangue civet, made from a local hedgehog-like animal.

Sport

Moringue is a popular dance and combat sport similar to capoeira. Réunion has produced famous athletes in sports like handball, karate, and surfing. The island hosts the Grand Raid, a series of ultramarathons, and has its own football (soccer) team. Many young people play football, hoping to one day compete at the highest levels.

Football

Football is the most popular sport on Réunion. Many players from the island have gone on to play for the French national team. The island has its own football team, the Réunion national football team.

Architecture

See also: Creole garden

Local Creole houses are often symmetrical and rectangular. A veranda is a key part of these homes, showing off their beauty to the street. Gardens with local plants, like orchids and ferns, complete the house. The Villa Déramond-Barre is an important example of Creole architecture.

Media

Broadcasting

Réunion has its own public television channel called Réunion 1ère, which is part of France Télévision. People there can also watch channels from mainland France like France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, and France 24, as well as France Ô, which shows programs from other French areas far from mainland France. There are also two private local channels: Télé Kréol and Antenne Réunion.

There is a public radio station called Réunion 1ère, similar to its TV channel. People in Réunion can also listen to Radio France networks like France Inter, France Musique, and France Culture. The first private local radio station, Radio Freedom, started in 1981 and gives daily updates on weather and local services.

Newspapers

Réunion used to have three daily newspapers. In 2024, one of them closed. Of the two that are still running, one now only exists online. There are also weekly and monthly magazines on the island.

The daily newspapers were:

• Journal de l'île de La Réunion, started in 1951 but closed in 2024.
• Le Quotidien de La Réunion, started in 1976
• Témoignages, started in 1944 and online only since 2013

Cinema

Cinema has been part of Réunion since 1896. Because the island is far from mainland France, it developed its own ways to show movies. The island's beautiful landscapes have been used as backgrounds for many films and TV shows. Festivals for movies have become common there. Digital technology now helps local filmmakers create movies that show the island's many cultures and languages.

Film

• Adama (an animated film)
• Mississippi Mermaid (a film from 1969)

Blogs

• Reunion Island Tourism blog (a blog in English and French about tourism)
• Visit Reunion (an English language blog and Instagram page)^{[non-primary source needed]}

Internet

In the past, Réunion’s internet was slow because the island is far from mainland France. Now, the island has good internet services, with many places connected using fibre optics.

People can get internet through ADSL from four companies, fibre optic services from three companies, and mobile data using 4G and 5G networks, which are being tested in Saint-Denis.

Réunion’s websites end with .re. The island has built a strong fibre-optic network, using cables from EDF and its own fibre, plus radio links for harder-to-reach places. This network is managed by La Réunion Numérique.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Réunion

In 2019, the economy of Réunion was worth about 19.5 billion euros. This made it wealthier than many places in Africa, but still less wealthy than most parts of France.

Before 2008, Réunion’s economy was growing quickly. However, the financial crisis in 2008 caused problems, and the economy slowed down or even shrank for several years. Growth returned after 2014, but it was slower than before. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a big drop in the economy, though it wasn’t as bad as in other parts of France.

Today, tourism is very important to Réunion’s economy, even more so than growing sugar. The island is also a good place for satellite and navy services because of its location. Farming, especially sugar cane, is still a key part of the island’s work and exports, but it faces challenges.

Unemployment has been a big issue, but it has gotten better over time. In the early 2000s, over 30% of people were unemployed, but by 2023, this dropped to 19%, the lowest in decades.

In 2021, about 36% of people in Réunion lived below the poverty line, which is an improvement from 2013 when it was 49%.

The tertiary sector, which includes shops and services, is the biggest part of the economy. Rum making is also important, and the island has its own brewery.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Réunion

Tourism brings in more money than sugar farming for Réunion. This has helped local companies grow. However, sugar farming is still important, though it is facing challenges with fewer subsidies. Fishing has been promoted as an alternative.

Agriculture

Agriculture in Réunion covers 20% of the island and employs 10% of workers. It makes up 5% of the island’s total economy and is the main source of exports. While coffee and clove were once important, sugar cane has been the focus since the early 1800s. Today, farming faces challenges from global trade rules and urban growth.

Réunion has about 7,000 farms, most of which are small and run by individual farmers. Most farm managers are between 40 and 59 years old.

Public services

Health

In 2005–2006, Réunion faced a health problem caused by a virus carried by mosquitoes. This virus came from East Africa and affected many people on the island. It has since been stopped.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in Réunion

Réunion’s landscape and busy roads make travel challenging. In 2003, a big project began to build a new road called the Route des Tamarins. This road connects the north and south parts of the island and helps reduce traffic problems.

Land transport

As of early 2024, Réunion has about 430,000 private cars. In 2009, the Route des Tamarins opened, changing the main road between Saint-Paul and L'Étang-Salé. In 2023, a new part of the road between Saint-Denis and Grande-Chaloupe opened to make travel safer. Work will start in 2026 to extend it further.

Water transport

The main port is in Le Port. It handles passengers, goods, boats for fun, fishing, and the navy.

Air transport

Réunion has two international airports: Roland-Garros Airport near Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre–Pierrefonds Airport in Saint-Pierre. Both offer flights to France and other places. Small airplanes and helicopters are also used to reach remote areas.

Education

Réunion has its own school system. There are many schools for young children, secondary students, and older students preparing for advanced studies. The University of Réunion has many students studying in different fields.

Energy

Réunion gets most of its energy from oil because it cannot easily share power with other places. The island is working to use more natural energy sources like wind and the sun. Some electricity comes from water power because the island has lots of rain.

Symbols

Réunion does not have an official coat of arms or flag.

In 1925, a former governor named Merwart created a coat of arms for the island to show its history. The design includes bees to represent the Empire, a central symbol for the French Republican flag, and fleurs-de-lis for the royal era. It also has a motto meaning "I will bloom wherever they take me" and vanilla vines to honor good harvests. The design also shows a ship and a special number to represent the island's highest peaks.

Today, many people in Réunion use a flag called "Lo Mavéli". It was designed in 1975 and shows a red triangle for the volcano Piton de la Fournaise on a blue background. Five sunbeams on the flag stand for the different groups of people who have come to live on the island over time.