Religion in Reunion, France
According to Per Computer, 90% of the island’s population is Catholic. A small percentage of believers are Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.
Transport in Reunion, France
The best way to get to Reunion is by plane. Regular flights to the island from Europe are operated by Air France. Reunion has two international airports located in Saint Denis and Saint Pierre. Airplanes also fly from Reunion to Mauritius. There are ferries to Mauritius Island from the local port of Point de Galets.
Two types of buses run around the island – city buses that run around Saint Denis and yellow luxury shuttle buses that connect the main cities.
In order to rent a car, you must have an international driver’s license, a credit card, be over 21 years old and have a driving experience of more than 1 year.
Plant and Animal World in Reunion, France
In the forests of Réunion, which cover mountain slopes up to a level of 1300 m, there are benzoic, black (ebony), breadfruit and lemon trees, tamarind (Indian dates), creepers, bamboo and eucalyptus. More than 100 species of orchids and 240 species of ferns grow here. Above 1300 m, mainly alpine acacias and flowering shrubs grow. The coast is dominated by coconut palms, mango and lychee trees, as well as casuarina.
Of the animals in Reunion, wild boars, wild goats, hedgehogs, rodents, non-poisonous snakes, chameleon lizards live. Of the birds, there are parrots, weavers, African Astrild, pigeons, gulls, swallows, pheasants, thrushes and the cardinal bird. On the island you can see a wide variety of butterflies and insects. In coastal waters – a lot of shellfish and fish.
Minerals in Reunion, France
No minerals have been found on the island.
Banks in Reunion, France
Banks are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:00.
Money in Reunion, France
The official currency of the island is Euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 euro cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents.
You can exchange foreign currency at any bank branch, exchange offices, hotels and at the airport. All major banks on the island are French branches. Some shops and restaurants in Reunion accept US dollars for payment. Non-cash payment for services is common on the island, but before traveling, you should consult with the bank where you issued a credit card or bought traveler’s checks. There are ATMs in almost every city in Reunion. Traveler’s checks are best purchased in US dollars, Euros and pounds sterling.
Course: 1 Euro (EUR) = 1.05 USD (28.05.2022)
Political State in Reunion, France
Reunion Island is an overseas department of France and is part of it. The head of Reunion is the French president. The government of France on the island is represented by the prefecture, headed by the prefect, in whose hands the executive power is concentrated. Questions of defense and foreign relations also remain within the competence of France. From the island, 7 representatives are elected to the French Parliament and 1 representative to the European Parliament.
Population in Reunion, France
More than 60% of the population of Reunion are Creoles (descendants of mixed marriages who arrived on the island of French colonists and residents of the colony). About 20% of the locals are of Indian origin. Africans, Pakistanis, Chinese, Malagasy and Europeans also live here.
Language:
The official language of Réunion is French. However, the Creole language is still widely spoken on the island.
Cuisine in Reunion, France
Réunion cuisine is a mixture of Indian, European, Madagascar and Chinese cuisines. Not a single meal is complete without an abundance of seasonings – curry, garlic, onion, cloves and ginger, as well as local hot sauce based on tomatoes, lemon and pistachios – “scold”.
In the menu of any restaurant you will find seafood dishes (tuna, trout, marlin, barracuda, shrimp and lobsters), a variety of poultry and pork dishes served with rice, and dishes based on tropical fruits.
Drinks on the island are black coffee and freshly squeezed juices. Alcoholic drinks are represented by sugar cane rum, herbal or fruit rum and quality local beer.
