Verified Facts
The population of Reunion is approximately 0.9 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, languages, and religions, forming a unique cultural identity.
Quick Facts
Population Overview
Reunion's population size is relatively small compared to other islands in the region, but its growth rate is steady, with a 0.8% increase per annum. The island's urbanization rate is high, with approximately 97% of the population residing in urban areas, primarily in the capital city of Saint-Denis and other major towns. This trend is driven by economic opportunities, education, and access to healthcare, which are more readily available in urban centers. Migration patterns in Reunion are influenced by its historical ties with France, as well as its proximity to other Indian Ocean islands, such as Madagascar and Mauritius.
The population of Reunion is projected to continue growing, albeit at a slow rate, due to a combination of natural increase and net migration. The island's population is relatively young, with a median age of 34 years, which has implications for the labor market, education, and healthcare systems. Reunion's population density is relatively high, with an average of 357 people per square kilometer, which can put pressure on the island's natural resources and infrastructure.
Reunion's population is also characterized by a high life expectancy, with an average of 78 years, which is comparable to other developed countries. The fertility rate in Reunion is approximately 2.2 children per woman, which is slightly above the replacement rate, indicating a stable population growth rate. Overall, Reunion's population is diverse, urbanized, and relatively young, with a high life expectancy and a stable growth rate.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group | Percentage | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creoles | 40% | Island-wide | Descendants of African, European, and Asian ancestors |
| Europeans | 25% | Saint-Denis, coastal areas | Mainly of French descent |
| Indians | 25% | Saint-Andre, Saint-Benoit | Brought to the island as indentured servants |
| Chinese | 3% | Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre | Immigrated to the island as traders and merchants |
| Africans | 2% | Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul | From various African countries, including Madagascar and Mozambique |
| Comorians | 1% | Saint-Denis, Saint-Andre | From the Comoros Islands, a neighboring archipelago |
| Malays | 1% | Saint-Denis, Saint-Benoit | From Indonesia and Malaysia, brought to the island as sailors and traders |
| Other | 3% | Island-wide | Includes people of mixed ancestry and other ethnic groups |
The ethnic diversity of Reunion is a result of its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, which has made it a hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. The various ethnic groups have contributed to the island's unique cultural identity, with a blend of African, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences. While there are some tensions between ethnic groups, Reunion is generally considered a harmonious and multicultural society, with a strong sense of Creole identity and a shared history.
Languages
- French is the official language, used in government, education, and formal settings
- Creole, also known as Reunion Creole, is widely spoken as a vernacular language
- Tamil and other Indian languages are spoken by the Indian community
- Mandarin Chinese is spoken by the Chinese community
- Other languages, such as Arabic and Malagasy, are spoken by smaller communities
Religions
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 85% | Mainly Roman Catholic, with smaller Protestant and Orthodox communities |
| Hinduism | 6% | Primarily practiced by the Indian community |
| Islam | 2% | Mainly practiced by the Comorian and Malagasy communities |
| Buddhism | 1% | Practiced by the Chinese and other Asian communities |
| Other | 6% | Includes people with no religious affiliation, as well as smaller religious groups |
Reunion is a secular society, with freedom of religion guaranteed by the French constitution. The majority of the population is Christian, with a significant Hindu minority, as well as smaller Muslim, Buddhist, and other religious communities. Interfaith relations are generally harmonious, with a strong sense of mutual respect and cooperation.
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 22% | High demand for education and childcare services |
| 15-24 | 16% | Significant youth population, with implications for labor market and social services |
| 25-54 | 53% | Large working-age population, with a high labor force participation rate |
| 55-64 | 6% | Aging population, with implications for healthcare and social security |
| 65+ | 3% | Small but growing elderly population, with increasing demand for age-related services |
Urbanization & Major Cities
- Reunion has a highly urbanized population, with approximately 97% of the population residing in urban areas
- Saint-Denis is the capital and largest city, with a population of over 150,000
- Saint-Pierre is the second-largest city, with a population of over 80,000
- Saint-Andre and Saint-Benoit are other major urban centers, with significant economic and cultural activities
- The urban-rural split is pronounced, with a high concentration of population and economic activity in urban areas, and a more dispersed population in rural areas.