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LOCATION

In the heart of the Indian Ocean

Réunion is an island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, about 200 kms south west of Mauritius, the nearest island.

Administratively, Réunion is one of the overseas departments of France. Like the other overseas departments, Réunion is also one of the twenty six regions of France (being an overseas region) and an integral part of the Republic with the same status as those situated on the European mainland.

Reunion has a colonial history and welcomed in the past many immigrants coming from Europe, Africa, Madagascar, Comoros Island, China, India, and Malaysia which gave the island an unique ethnic mix.

Nowadays, this very particular ethnicity is an example of cohabitation which created the Reunion Island Identity. Reunion Island is an original example of united and peaceful diversity. This diversity is one of the Island most important assets.

STATUS

A French and European Region

The Island has the status of French Oversea Department since 1946 and is the only European Region in the South Hemisphere.

The status of French and European Regions confers the island economical and political stability as well as a high quality life standard.

Her strategic location, at the interface of Europe, Africa and Asia also gives the island many opportunities to explore.
CHINESE INFLUENCE

A major role in the economy

Reunion Island has a history of 350 years old and welcomed the first Chinese in the 19th century. They first came as field workers and earned a strong reputation. From this time, many other Chinese, Hakka and Cantonese, came to Reunion. Those who were already set up helped the new comers.

Starting from small shop owner, the Chinese community accounts now for 4% of the population and play a major role in the island economy specially in the food industry.