Regions and territories: Reunion

Rugged, volcanic Reunion is a territory of France in the Indian Ocean.

The densely-populated island once prospered from the cultivation of sugar cane, but tourism and financial aid from Paris now underpin its economy.

Reunion's culture, cuisine and ethnic mix reflect the story of its settlement.

Overview

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French colonists arrived on the island, then known as Bourbon, in the 1640s. Slaves from Madagascar and mainland Africa were brought in to work the island's coffee plantations. Later arrivals included labourers from south and east Asia.

The island was ruled as a colony until 1946, when it was made a "departement", or administrative unit, of France. The Reunionese are French citizens and many of them wish to remain so; independence movements have been sporadic and there is little will to sever ties with Paris.

Lava from Piton de la Fournaise volcano covers road, February 2005

Reunion is a volcanic hotspot; lava sometimes reaches the sea

Sugar cane was introduced during a brief period of British rule in the early 19th century. It provides the raw material for Reunion's main exports. Tourism is also important; attractions include spectacular gorges and "cirques" - natural amphitheatres surrounded by mountains.

A large wealth gap has fuelled social tensions. These spilled over into violence in 1991 when 10 people were killed in anti-government riots. Unemployment is high, particularly among the young, and migration is commonplace. Violence once again flared up in March 2009 in protest at rising food prices.

Reunion is home to one of the world's most active volcanos, the Piton de la Fournaise, which has erupted more than 170 times since the mid-17th century. Lava flows have closed roads and damaged buildings.

The territory is prone to tropical storms; a cyclone monitoring station in the capital serves the Indian Ocean region.

Facts

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Territory: Reunion
Status: French overseas territory
Territory: Reunion
Status: French overseas territory
Population: 777,000 (UN, 2005)
Capital: Saint-Denis
Area: 2,507 sq km (968 sq miles)
Major languages: French (official), Creole
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 79 years (women)
Monetary unit: euro
Main exports: Sugar, rum
GNI per capita: US$14,385 (UN, 2003)
Internet domain: .re
International dialling code: +262

Leaders

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Head of state: French president, represented by an appointed prefect

Reunion has two elected legislative bodies - the General Council and the Regional Council. Members are elected by universal suffrage. The territory sends five deputies to the French National Assembly and three representatives to the Senate.