An island in the Indian Ocean, Réunion is an overseas possession of France. It is located about 420 miles (680 kilometers) east of Madagascar. The island is supported by trade and a growing tourism industry. The capital is Saint-Denis on the northern coast. Geography - Section of the dormant volcanic massif, known as the Plaine des Ramparts, on Réunion
An oval-shaped island, Réunion covers an area of 968 square miles (2,507 square kilometers). The island was formed by volcanoes. The most noticeable features of the landscape are volcanic cones, craters, and high plateaus. Eruptions do occur, but not according to any schedule. Because of its position in the Indian Ocean, Réunion is often hit by tropical cyclones. Plants and animalsRéunion has many flowering plants. Gladiolus, dahlia, nasturtium, bougainvilleas, and mimosa trees grow all over the island. There also are a number of fruit trees, including guava, mangoes, and lychees. Tropical forests grow on many of the high plateaus. Réunion's wildlife includes chameleons, frogs, and birds. The island also has a large butterfly population, though many species found only on the island are threatened species. People and cultureMost of the people who live on Réunion are Creoles (people of African and French descent), descendents of French settlers, and East Indians. Most people are Roman Catholic, though many practice a form of Catholicism that includes traditional African beliefs. French is the language of government, and school classes are taught in French. However, Creole is the language of everyday life. EconomyTrade is important for Réunion's economy. Sugar makes up about 60 percent of exported goods. Vanilla beans, tobacco, vegetables, and geraniums—which are used in making perfume—are grown primarily for export. Tourism, fishing, and rum distilling also contribute to the economy. The island trades mainly with France. HistoryIn the early 1500s Portuguese sailors on their way to India landed on the island that became Réunion. They were the first Europeans to visit the uninhabited island. For many years the island remained uninhabited. In the mid-17th century, however, the French decided that the island might be useful. They then took control of the island. The French settlement on the island grew slowly. Then, in the early 1700s, the French East India Company introduced coffee as a crop. New people moved to the island to make a living from the profitable crop. Coffee soon became the basis of the island's economy. Settlers also began to import slaves from Africa to work the plantations, which added to the island's population. Over time agriculture on Réunion expanded to include cotton, tobacco, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and sugar. Slavery was outlawed on the island in 1848. Plantation owners then encouraged East Asians to come to the island and work the plantations. Réunion remained a French colony until 1946, when it became what is called a French overseas department. Today the island is the headquarters of French military forces in the Indian Ocean. Population (2001 estimate), 733,000. |