The tropical island of Réunion lies off the east coast of Madagascar and 175 kilometres (110 miles) southwest of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is an overseas department of France. Two enormous volcanoes rise in the middle of this mountainous, rugged island. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Piton de la Fournaise, the smaller of the two, has erupted six times since 2006. Cultivated land and cities, including the capital, Saint-Denis, are concentrated on the surrounding coastal lowlands. Réunion has many beaches, popular with tourists.

People and economy

Réunion was an uninhabited island when it was first discovered in the early 16th century. Today, the people who live there are a mix of African, Indian, Malagasy and European peoples who have come to the island over the centuries. The Réunionese are French citizens and have EU citizenship. 

​​​​​​​For centuries, the production of sugar cane was Réunion’s main industry. Many islanders are descended from the African and Indian peoples who were brought to Réunion to work as slaves (later, as indentured labourers) on its sugar plantations. Although sugar production is still important today, most people work in manufacturing, or in services such as healthcare and tourism.

Facts about Réunion

Population 885,700 (2024 estimate)

Area 2512 sq km (970 sq miles)

Highest Point Piton des Neiges 3070 m (10,070 ft)

Capital Saint-Denis, metro area pop. 319,141

Languages French, Réunion Creole

Religions Christian (Roman Catholic) 87%, Hindu 7%, Muslim 3%, others 3%

Ethnicity European 25%; Tamil (South Indian) 25%; Malagasy, other African, mixed and others 50%

Currency Euro (EUR)

Chief exports cane sugar, frozen fish and shellfish