Réunion Island – Key Facts
Location:
- French island in the Western Indian Ocean.
- 680 km east of Madagascar, 180 km southwest of Mauritius.
- Part of the Mascarene Archipelago (with Mauritius and Rodrigues).
Geography:
- Area: 2,511 sq km; elliptical shape (65 km × 50 km).
- Volcanic origin with rugged mountains and short torrential rivers.
- Major rivers: Marsouins and Galet.
- Highest peak: Piton des Neiges (highest in Indian Ocean).
- Active volcano: Piton de la Fournaise.
- Capital: Saint-Denis (northern coast).
- Poor in natural harbours.
- Tropical climate.
History & Population:
- Settled in the 17th century by French colonists.
- Slave labour from East Africa; indentured labourers from Malaysia, Annam, China, and India.
- Mixed population of African, European, and South Asian descent.
Political Status:
- French overseas department (same as mainland France).
- Important French military base in the Indian Ocean.
Languages:
- French and Réunion Creole.
Economy:
- Major export: sugar.
- Other products: meat, milk, rum, molasses, tobacco, geranium essence, vanilla.