Reunion

Continent	Africa
Capital	Saint-Denis
Population	nan
GDP	nan
GDP per Capita	nan
Dialing Code	+262
ISO Code (2-letter)	RE
ISO Code (3-letter)	REU

Reunion Landscapes

About Reunion

Welcome to Reunion, a captivating French overseas department that rises dramatically from the depths of the Indian Ocean. This volcanic island spans 2,511 square kilometers of extraordinarily diverse terrain, from pristine beaches to towering mountains, creating one of the world’s most unique ecological destinations. With approximately 860,000 residents representing a remarkable blend of African, European, Indian, Chinese, and Malagasy heritage, Reunion offers a fascinating cultural mosaic shaped by centuries of colonial history and migration. Located approximately 700 kilometers east of Madagascar, this remote outpost of France combines European infrastructure with tropical splendor, creating an exceptional destination where visitors can experience both the familiar comforts of the European Union and the exotic allure of the Indian Ocean in a single remarkable setting.

Geographic Features and Natural Beauty

Reunion’s geography is a masterpiece of natural drama, dominated by two massive volcanic structures that have shaped both the island’s physical landscape and its cultural development. The dormant Piton des Neiges, reaching 3,070 meters above sea level, stands as the highest point in the Indian Ocean and forms the island’s northwestern region. This ancient volcano, now extinct, has eroded over millennia to create three breathtaking cirques—Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie—massive natural amphitheaters surrounded by towering cliffs and filled with lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages accessible only by foot or helicopter.

In stark contrast, the southeastern portion of the island features one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which erupts frequently but relatively safely, offering visitors the extraordinary opportunity to witness the raw power of nature. This shield volcano, rising 2,632 meters, features a distinctive caldera and moonlike landscapes of solidified lava flows that extend to the sea, continuously reshaping the island’s coastline.

Between these volcanic giants lies a remarkable diversity of microclimates and ecosystems. The windward eastern coast receives abundant rainfall, creating lush tropical forests and dramatic waterfalls like the Cascade Niagara and Voile de la Mariée. The leeward western coast, sheltered from prevailing winds, features drier conditions and most of the island’s beaches, including the popular lagoon areas around Saint-Gilles where coral reefs create protected swimming areas.

Reunion’s biodiversity is equally impressive, with approximately 40% of the island designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island hosts numerous endemic species that evolved in isolation, including the Reunion harrier, the Reunion cuckooshrike, and various orchid species. The island’s marine environment is equally rich, with coral reefs supporting diverse fish populations and providing seasonal habitat for humpback whales that migrate to these waters for calving.

The island’s climate varies dramatically with elevation and orientation, from tropical conditions along the coast to alpine environments in the highlands, where occasional snowfall can occur on the highest peaks. This climatic diversity allows for an extraordinary range of agricultural production and outdoor activities within a relatively small area.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Reunion’s culture represents a vibrant fusion of influences from four continents, creating a unique identity that is neither fully European nor African, but distinctly Reunionese. This cultural mosaic is reflected in the island’s languages, with French serving as the official language while Reunion Creole—a French-based creole with elements of Malagasy, Tamil, Portuguese, and East African languages—remains the heart of everyday communication and cultural expression.

The island’s religious landscape similarly reflects its diverse heritage, with Roman Catholicism predominating but coexisting harmoniously with Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and various syncretic practices. This religious diversity is visible in the island’s calendar of celebrations, where Catholic festivals like Christmas occur alongside the Tamil fire-walking ceremony of Dipavali and the Chinese Spring Festival.

Music and dance form the pulsating heart of Reunionese culture, with the maloya—a percussive musical tradition with African and Malagasy roots that was once banned by colonial authorities—now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originally performed by slaves on plantations, maloya has evolved into a powerful expression of Reunionese identity, alongside the faster, more European-influenced séga music that encourages couples dancing.

Culinary traditions in Reunion offer another delicious expression of the island’s cultural fusion. The staple dish, cari (curry), reflects Indian influences but incorporates distinctly local ingredients and preparation methods. Rougail saucisse (a spicy sausage stew), achards (pickled vegetables), and gratin de chouchou (chayote gratin) represent other beloved specialties. These dishes are typically accompanied by rice and grains (beans or lentils), creating a filling meal that reflects the island’s agricultural bounty and diverse cultural influences.

Traditional crafts continue to thrive, particularly in the cirques and remote villages where techniques for creating vacoa (pandanus) baskets, embroidery, and wooden sculptures have been passed down through generations. These crafts not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide economic opportunities in areas where traditional agriculture has become challenging.

Historical Journey

Reunion’s history weaves a complex narrative of discovery, colonization, slavery, and eventual integration with France. Although Arab sailors likely knew of the island’s existence earlier, it remained uninhabited until the 16th century. Portuguese explorer Pedro Mascarenhas is credited with the European discovery of the island in 1513, though it was initially named Santa Apolonia before becoming known as Bourbon Island.

The first permanent settlement was established by the French East India Company in 1665, beginning a colonial relationship with France that continues in modified form today. The island was renamed “Reunion” during the French Revolution, briefly became “Île Bonaparte” during the Napoleonic era, and finally returned to its revolutionary name after Napoleon’s defeat.

The colonial economy was initially based on coffee production before transitioning to sugar cane in the 19th century. This plantation economy relied heavily on enslaved labor from East Africa, Madagascar, and later indentured workers from India following the abolition of slavery in 1848. These forced migrations fundamentally shaped the island’s demographics and cultural development, creating the diverse society that exists today.

The 20th century brought significant political changes as Reunion transitioned from colony to overseas department of France in 1946, granting residents full French citizenship and representation in the French parliament. This political integration was accompanied by substantial infrastructure development and social programs that dramatically improved living standards, though economic disparities between Reunion and metropolitan France persist.

More recent decades have seen growing recognition of the island’s unique cultural identity and historical experiences, including acknowledgment of the trauma of slavery and colonization. This cultural renaissance has been accompanied by increasing autonomy in local governance while maintaining the benefits of the relationship with France and the European Union.

Modern Economic Landscape

Today’s Reunion has developed a diverse economy that combines elements of a modern European service sector with traditional agricultural production and emerging industries. As an overseas department of France, Reunion benefits from substantial financial transfers from both the French government and the European Union, which have funded major infrastructure projects and social services.

The service sector dominates the economy, accounting for over 80% of GDP and employment. Tourism represents a growing component of this sector, with the island attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually, primarily from mainland France but increasingly from other European countries, South Africa, and China. The island’s extraordinary natural beauty, particularly its volcanic landscapes and biodiversity, provides the foundation for eco-tourism development, while its French connection ensures high-quality infrastructure and services.

Agriculture continues to play an important cultural and economic role, with sugar cane remaining the dominant crop, occupying approximately 60% of cultivated land. The sugar industry has diversified to include rum production, which has gained international recognition for its quality. Other significant agricultural products include geranium essential oil (used in perfumery), vanilla, tropical fruits, and vegetables grown primarily for local consumption.

The island faces significant economic challenges, including an unemployment rate that consistently exceeds 30%, particularly among young people. This situation has prompted ongoing migration to mainland France, though strong family ties and cultural identity often bring Reunionese back to the island later in life. The high cost of living, resulting from the island’s remote location and dependence on imports, presents another challenge for many residents.

Innovation has become a key focus as Reunion seeks to diversify its economy further. The island has developed specialized research facilities in tropical agriculture, renewable energy, and marine biology, leveraging its unique environment and biodiversity. Digital technology and creative industries have also emerged as promising sectors, supported by high-quality telecommunications infrastructure and educational institutions.

International Relations and Global Position

As an integral part of France, Reunion’s international relations are primarily conducted through the French state. However, the island’s location in the Indian Ocean, far from European France, has led to the development of its own regional relationships and identity within the southwestern Indian Ocean.

Reunion plays an active role in regional organizations, particularly the Indian Ocean Commission, which brings together island nations including Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros to address shared challenges such as maritime security, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. The island also serves as a platform for French and European engagement with eastern and southern Africa.

The relationship with neighboring Mauritius includes both cooperation and tension, particularly regarding the disputed sovereignty of Tromelin Island, an uninhabited atoll administered by France but claimed by Mauritius. Despite this disagreement, practical cooperation continues in areas such as fisheries management, environmental protection, and cultural exchanges.

As a European Union outermost region, Reunion benefits from special programs designed to address the challenges of remoteness and insularity while serving as an EU presence in the Indian Ocean. This status provides access to significant development funds while positioning the island as a bridge between Europe and the emerging economies of Africa and Asia.

Climate diplomacy has become an increasingly important aspect of Reunion’s international engagement, with the island’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones, rising sea levels, and other climate change impacts making it an important voice in global climate discussions. The island has also positioned itself as a laboratory for renewable energy solutions, with ambitious goals for energy independence through solar, wind, and marine energy sources.

Did You Know?

• Reunion is home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which has erupted more than 150 times since record-keeping began in the 17th century?

• The remote cirque of Mafate, surrounded by towering cliffs and mountains, has no roads and is accessible only by foot or helicopter, yet is home to several villages where residents maintain a traditional lifestyle?

• Reunion holds the world record for the most rainfall in 24 hours, with 1,825 mm (71.9 inches) recorded during Tropical Cyclone Denise in 1966?

• The island is developing one of the world’s first sea water air conditioning (SWAC) systems, using cold deep ocean water for cooling buildings in a sustainable manner?

• Despite being located over 9,000 kilometers from Paris, Reunion uses the Euro currency and is considered an integral part of the European Union as an outermost region?

Conclusion

Reunion stands as a remarkable example of cultural fusion, environmental diversity, and the complex legacy of colonial history transformed into a unique modern identity. This volcanic jewel in the Indian Ocean demonstrates how geographical isolation can create both extraordinary natural environments and distinctive cultural expressions that blend influences from multiple continents.

From its dramatic volcanic landscapes to its vibrant multicultural society, from its traditional rural villages to its modern European infrastructure, Reunion offers a fascinating study in contrasts and coexistence. As the island navigates the challenges of the 21st century, including economic development, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, it continues to evolve as a unique bridge between Europe and the Indian Ocean world—a place where the familiar and the exotic combine to create something truly extraordinary.