Réunion, the beautiful French island with a population of about 800,000, is located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Its closest neighbour is the island of Mauritius, which about 200 kilometres (120 miles) away. As one of the 27 regions of France, the overseas region is very much an important part of the Republic with the same status as those regions, which are situated on the mainland of Europe. Tourism is by now one of the most important economic factors fast supplanting sugar production and export. With a cultural blend (métissage) of European, Indian, African, Chinese and local insular customs, Réunion is a fascinating island to visit.

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Natural highlights on the island include an active volcano on the south coast, many miles of lush, welcoming beaches located along the west coast and tropical forests and impressive mountains in between. If you wish to explore Réunion National Park, go hiking Reunion's unique "cirques", mountain biking, diving or canyoning to some of the many beautiful waterfalls on the island: Reunion Island boasts some of the best vacation opportunities imaginable.