Trivia in Réunion Island

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Africa / Indian Ocean Islands

National symbols

Flag: No official departmental flag has been adopted; administratively, the French tricolor flag is used.

Réunion Island Flag

Emblem: The coat of arms of the Réunion Regional Council and Department is used on official documents and signs.

Réunion Island Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • The three cirques in the island's center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are popular for helicopter tours.
  • In 1952, Cilaos recorded a world record of 1,870mm rainfall in 24 hours.
  • Bourbon Pointu, a rare coffee variety, originates here and is being revived as a luxury bean.
  • Waters around Réunion have high shark populations, leading to temporary surf competition bans since 2013.
  • The airport is named after Roland Garros, the same person as the famous tennis venue.
  • Official vehicle license plates follow the mainland French format but end with '974'.
  • Islanders affectionately call themselves 'Réunionnais'.
  • Some old sugarcane railway tracks are preserved as tourist trams.
  • Piton des Neiges, the island's highest peak, was snow-capped during the last ice age.
  • UNESCO heritage covers 40% of the island, enforced by strict environmental laws.

Back to list