The
Island of Reunion is situated in the Indian Ocean to the east of
the Madagascar Island in southern Africa. The Island is an overseas
department of France and as a result has no autonomous government
of its own and is fully under French jurisdiction. The French President
appoints a Prefect who is a representative of the government here
on the island. The City of Saint Denis is the administrative capital
of Reunion.
Economy:
The main sectors of the country’s economy are agriculture
(which produces sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco, vegetables, tropical
fruits and maize), sugar processing, cigarettes, handicraft,
rum and flower oil extraction. The Euro is used as the official
currency here.
People:
Reunion has an estimated population of 787,584 people. The country
is home to a rich cultural mix and the main ethnic groups living
here are; French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani and
Indian. French is the country’s official language though
Creole is widely spoken. Roman Catholicism is the main religion
in Reunion
though Hindu, Islam and Buddhism are also practiced.
