Introduction

Saint-Denis is the capital of Réunion, a French overseas department in the western Indian Ocean, and the political and economic center of the island. Located in the Saint-Denis River basin on the northern coast of the island, it has a population of approximately 140,000 and covers an area of 236 square kilometers. It borders the Indian Ocean to the north and steep mountains to the south.

Originally the island’s main port, Saint-Denis saw its port functions relocated to Le Port, an artificial harbor built 16 kilometers to the southwest in the 1880s due to wind and tidal constraints. A scenic coastal highway connects Le Port and Saint-Denis, with road networks linking to all major towns on the island. An international airport is located on the city’s outskirts, operating flights to major cities in East Africa and Madagascar.

The city’s industries are dominated by sugar production, supplemented by factories processing canned goods, vanilla, tobacco, and tea. Cultural and educational facilities include several libraries, a natural history museum, a normal school, a botanical garden, and the University of Réunion.

Economy

The primary industry is based on agriculture and fishing, accounting for about 8% of the GDP. The secondary industry mainly consists of agricultural product processing and construction, contributing approximately 19% of the GDP. The tertiary industry includes tourism and hospitality, which has become the pillar industry of the island, generating over two-thirds of GDP. The island has a low level of industrialization and relies heavily on financial assistance from metropolitan France for economic development.

Blessed with abundant mineral resources, its exclusive economic zone contains deposits of cobalt, copper, manganese, and other minerals. Forests cover 87,730 hectares, accounting for 35% of the island’s total area. Arable land makes up 17%, crop cultivation areas 3%, and pastures 5%.

Transportation

The Port de la Pointe des Galets is the largest seaport on the island and the third-largest container port in France.

Education

Réunion applies the same education system as metropolitan France, with a five-year primary education cycle and a seven-year secondary education cycle.

Date of Sister-city Relationship Establishment:

March 2, 2012.