Rugged, volcanic Reunion is a territory of France in the Indian Ocean. Since 1973 Réunion has been the headquarters of French military forces in the Indian Ocean. It also has an army and an air force base. In 1974 it attained the status of a region.

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

Population 777,000 (UN, 2005)
Capital City Saint-Denis


Languages French (official), Creole

Official Currency euro 

Religions Although no church is officially recognized by the government, Réunion is predominantly Catholic.

Land


700kms east of Madagascar, claims the highest mountain (almost 3,048 m (10,000 ft)) in the Indian Ocean, as well as one of the world's most active volcanoes - Piton de la Fournaise—has erupted several times in the past few years.

Land Area 2,507 sq km (968 sq miles)
Natural Resources: Negligible