Due east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean.

GMT + 4.

2,507 sq km (968 sq miles).

777,000 (UN estimate 2005).

309.9 per sq km.

Saint-Denis. Population: 178,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Réunion lies 760km (407 miles) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Running diagonally across the island is a chain of volcanic peaks, separating a green humid eastern zone (Le Vent) from a dry, sheltered south and west (Sous le Vent). The majority of the population lives along the coast. Sugar cane production accounts for over half the arable land in a country where many basic foodstuffs are imported.

Réunion is an Overseas Department of France and as such is an integral part of the French Republic.

President Nicolas Sarkozy since 2007, represented locally by Prefect Laurent Cayrel since 2005.

Nassimah Dindar, President of the General Council.

The most recent elections to the Regional Council and the General Council, held in 1998 and 2000 respectively, were won by a right-wing coalition and the left-wing alliance of Communists and Socialists.

French is the official language. Local Creole patois is also spoken.

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with a Muslim minority.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

The islanders follow French fashion. Normal social courtesies should be observed. The immigrants from India, Pakistan and Europe have retained their cultural identities.