Réunion lies 760km (407 miles) due east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Running diagonally across the island is a chain of volcanic peaks, separating a green humid eastern zone (Le Vent) from a dry, sheltered south and west (Sous le Vent). Saint-Denis, the capital, has several places of interest including the Natural History Museum, a mosque, several temples and a cathedral. A good trip to take is along the Plaine d’Affouches in La Montagne which is lined by lush tamarind trees and calumets, a type of wild fig tree. A special feature on Réunion are the so-called cirques – large volcanic valleys surrounded by mountains, creating a natural amphitheatre of about 10km (6 miles) in diameter. The most beautiful cirque is probably Salazie, with its magnificent waterfalls, especially those known as Le Voile de la Mariée (The Bride’s Veil) near Hell-Bourg. Réunion cuisine features many different unique curries – these include duck, eel and octopus curry (zourite). Also worth trying is bredes, a delicious local vegetable rather like spinach.

Due east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean.

GMT + 4.

2507 sq km (968 sq miles).

777,000 (UN, 2005).

309.9 per sq km.

Saint-Denis. Population: 131,557 (1999).

Réunion lies 760km (407 miles) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Running diagonally across the island is a chain of volcanic peaks, separating a green humid eastern zone (Le Vent) from a dry, sheltered south and west (Sous le Vent). The majority of the population lives along the coast. Sugar cane production accounts for over half the arable land in a country where many basic foodstuffs are imported.

Réunion is an Overseas Department of France and as such is an integral part of the French Republic. Head of State: President Jacques Chirac since 1995, represented locally by Prefect Laurent Cayrel since 2005. Head of Government: Nassimah Dindar, President of the General Council. Recent history: The most recent elections to the Regional Council and the General Council, held in 1998 and 2000 respectively, were won by a right-wing coalition and the left-wing alliance of Communists and Socialists.
Reunion is an Overseas Department of France. As such, it is an integral part of the French nation and its citizens are able to vote in French national elections. It also enjoys a measure of autonomy in its legislature which comprises the 49-member General Council and the 45-member Regional Council. Both of these bodies are directly elected to serve six year terms.

French is the official language. Local Creole patois is also spoken.

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with a Muslim minority.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

The islanders follow French fashion. Normal social courtesies should be observed. The immigrants from India, Pakistan and Europe have retained their cultural identities.