Réunion
Réunion is an overseas department and region of France, located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius. Here are some key details:
Geography
- Area: Approximately 2,512 km².
- Highest Point: Piton des Neiges at 3,071 meters, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean.
- Landscape: The island features diverse landscapes including beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic mountains. Two active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise and Piton des Neiges, dominate the terrain.
History
- Discovery: The island was first sighted by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century but was uninhabited until the French claimed it in 1642.
- Naming: It was named Île de la Réunion in 1793, after the French National Assembly's call for a meeting to establish a new constitution.
- Colonial Era: It became a French colony, with its economy initially based on coffee and later sugar cane plantations, which relied heavily on slave labor until slavery was abolished in 1848.
- World War II: During WWII, Réunion sided with the Free French Forces against Vichy France.
- Modern Status: Since 1946, Réunion has been an overseas department of France, granting its citizens the same rights as those in metropolitan France.
Demographics
- Population: Over 850,000 (as of 2020), with a diverse population including people of African, Indian, Chinese, and European descent.
- Languages: French is the official language, while Réunion Creole is widely spoken.
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with Hindu and Muslim minorities.
Economy
- Main Industries: Agriculture (sugarcane, vanilla, and tropical fruits), tourism, and services.
- Development: Despite being a department of France, Réunion struggles with economic disparities, high unemployment, and dependence on subsidies from the French government.
Culture
- Heritage: The island's culture is a rich blend of European, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, evident in its music, cuisine, and festivals like the Miel Vert Festival.
- Cuisine: Includes specialties like Rougail, a spicy tomato-based dish, and Carri, a curry-like stew.
External Links
See Also