Discovering the Culture and Beauty of The Reunion Island

Introduction:

The Reunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is a volcanic island with an area of 2,512 square kilometers and a population of about 850,000 people. The island has a rich history, having been inhabited by different ethnic groups over the centuries, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and French.

History:

A rich and complex history

The Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, has a rich and complex history. The island was first inhabited by people of Malagasy origin around 2,500 years ago. Arab sailors also visited the island during the Middle Ages and named it “Dina Morgabin,” which means “Western Island.”

The Portuguese

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach The Reunion Island in the early 16th century. However, the island remained uninhabited until the 17th century when the French colonized it in 1642. The French East India Company established a trading post on the island, and it became an important stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

A French colony in 1665

The Reunion Island became a French colony in 1665, and the French established sugar plantations on the island using slave labor. The island’s population grew through the importation of slaves from Africa, Madagascar, and other French colonies.

In 1794, the British

In 1794, the British briefly occupied the island, but it was returned to France in 1815 following the defeat of Napoleon. The abolition of slavery in 1848 led to significant social and economic changes on the island, and the island’s population became more diverse.

World War II

During World War II, The Reunion Island was under the control of the Vichy government, which collaborated with the Nazis. In 1942, British and South African troops invaded the island and took control.

France in 1946

After the war, The Reunion Island became an overseas department of France in 1946, and it remains an integral part of France to this day. As a result, the island has a unique culture that reflects both its African and European roots.

Unique ecosystem,

Today, The Reunion Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique ecosystem, and diverse population. It has become a popular destination for tourists, particularly for those interested in hiking, surfing, and eco-tourism.

Learn more about the history of The Reunion Island at https://www.lonelyplanet.com/reunion-island/history

Geography:

The Reunion Island is known for its stunning landscapes, which include volcanic peaks, lush forests, and pristine beaches. The island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which last erupted in April 2021. Explore the map of The Reunion Island at https://www.google.com/maps/place/R%C3%A9union

Politics and Governance:

The flag of The Reunion Island features a blue, white, and red background with a coat of arms in the center. The official website of The Reunion Island is https://www.reunion.fr/en. The Reunion Island is an overseas department and region of France, and as such, its governance is similar to that of a French department.

Infrastructure:

The Reunion Island has a well-developed infrastructure, with good roads, airports, and ports. The Roland Garros Airport is the main airport of the island, and the Port of Réunion is the main seaport. The island also has a good public transport system, with buses and taxis available.

Economy:

The Reunion Island has a mixed economy, with tourism, agriculture, and fishing being the main industries. The island is known for its production of sugar cane, vanilla, and rum. It also has a thriving tourism industry, with visitors coming to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Demographics:

The Reunion Island has a diverse population, with people of European, African, Indian, and Chinese descent living on the island. The official language is French, but Creole is widely spoken. The island also has a significant Muslim population.

Social indicators:

The Reunion Island has a high standard of living, with good healthcare and education systems. However, the island also faces social problems, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and drug addiction.

Natural Resource:

The Reunion Island has a rich variety of natural resources, including fertile soils, forests, and marine resources. The island’s volcanic soil is particularly suitable for agriculture, and the surrounding waters are rich in fish and other marine life.

Technology:

The Reunion Island has a growing technology sector, with a focus on renewable energy and digital innovation. The island has set a target to produce 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

International relations:

The Reunion Island is a member of the European Union, and as such, it enjoys strong ties with other EU member states. The island also has close relations with neighboring African countries, particularly Madagascar and Mauritius.

Country Code: The country code for The Reunion Island is +262

Leading Newspaper:

121	Reunion:	Clicanoo.re	https://www.clicanoo.re/
122	Reunion:	Zinfos974.com	https://www.zinfos974.com/
123	Reunion:	Imaz Press Réunion	https://www.ipreunion.com/

The leading newspaper in The Reunion Island is “Le Journal de l’Île de la Réunion,” which covers local, national, and international news. The newspaper is available in both print and online formats.

Major Problems:

The Reunion Island faces several major problems, including high unemployment rates, poverty, drug addiction, and environmental degradation. The island has a high youth unemployment rate, which contributes to social and economic problems. The island’s natural environment is also under threat from pollution and climate change.

Capital:

The capital of The Reunion Island is Saint-Denis, which is located on the northern coast of the island. The city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural festivals.

Festival and Time and Specialty of Country:

The Reunion Island is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate the island’s diverse heritage. One of the most popular festivals is the “Festival Liberté Métisse,” which takes place in December and celebrates the island’s mixed heritage. Another popular festival is the “Fête de la Musique,” which takes place in June and celebrates the island’s music and dance traditions. The island is also known for its specialty foods, including spicy curries, seafood dishes, and rum.

Food:

The cuisine of The Reunion Island is a mix of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, reflecting the island’s diverse heritage. Some of the island’s popular dishes include rougail sausage, a spicy sausage dish, and cari poulet, a chicken curry dish. The island is also known for its seafood, including fish, crab, and lobster. Rum is a popular drink on the island, and the island has several rum distilleries that produce high-quality rum.

In conclusion,

The Reunion Island is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a rich cultural experience. From its stunning landscapes and diverse cuisine to its fascinating history and vibrant festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, the island also faces significant social and environmental challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its sustainability and well-being.

Here are some additional resources and web links that can provide more information about The Reunion Island:

Tourism website: https://en.reunion.fr/
Regional Council of Reunion Island: https://www.regionreunion.com/
Le Journal de l’Île de la Réunion (leading newspaper): https://www.clicanoo.re/
Flag image: https://www.countryflags.com/reunion-island-flag.html
Roland Garros Airport: https://www.aeroport-reunion-rolandgarros.fr/
Pierrefonds Airport: https://www.aeroport-reunion-sud.com/
Fête de la Musique: https://www.fetedelamusique.re/
Festival Liberté Métisse: https://www.liberte-metisse.re/
World Bank data on The Reunion Island: https://data.worldbank.org/country/reunion
The Reunion Island on Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/reunion