People and Society of Reunion

Nationality

Reunionese (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian

Population

920,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Reunion stands at approximately 80 years overall, with women living to around 83 years and men to approximately 77 years. These figures place Reunion notably ahead of many other territories and countries in the African and Indian Ocean regions, reflecting the island's strong integration with the French public health system. As an overseas department of France, Reunion benefits from the same universal healthcare framework that governs metropolitan France, including access to subsidized medical care, comprehensive vaccination programs, and a well-developed hospital infrastructure. The island is served by multiple public hospitals and clinics, and residents are entitled to the same social security benefits as those living in mainland France. This institutional advantage is a primary driver of the relatively high life expectancy figures observed on the island. Chronic non-communicable diseases represent the leading causes of death in Reunion, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Diabetes prevalence is notably elevated on the island compared to mainland France, linked in part to dietary patterns and genetic factors within the local population. This poses an ongoing public health challenge that health authorities continue to address through screening programs and community health initiatives. Infant mortality rates on the island, while historically higher than in metropolitan France, have declined significantly over recent decades due to improvements in prenatal care and neonatal medicine. This progress has contributed to the upward trend in overall life expectancy. The population of Reunion is aging steadily as birth rates decline and longevity increases, a demographic shift that presents future challenges for pension systems and elder care services. Nevertheless, the combination of French public health investment, improved sanitation, clean water access, and rising education levels has allowed Reunion to sustain life expectancy figures that compare favorably not only within its regional context but also against many fully independent nations worldwide.

Infant Mortality Rate

Reunion, an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate that reflects its status as an integral part of the French Republic and its access to a well-developed public health infrastructure. The island's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it significantly below the averages seen across sub-Saharan Africa and other nearby island nations in the region, while remaining somewhat higher than metropolitan France's rate of roughly 3 to 4 per 1,000 live births. This relatively favorable outcome is largely attributable to Reunion's integration into the French national health system, which provides residents with access to subsidized medical care, prenatal services, and well-equipped hospital facilities. The island benefits from the same social welfare programs and public health standards that apply throughout France, including maternal care, neonatal intensive care units, and universal vaccination programs. Despite these advantages, certain socioeconomic disparities on the island contribute to the slightly elevated rate compared to the French mainland. Reunion experiences higher rates of poverty and unemployment than metropolitan France, and these economic inequalities can translate into uneven health outcomes across different communities. Factors such as diet-related health conditions, including high rates of diabetes among the adult population, can also indirectly influence birth outcomes and infant health. Over recent decades, Reunion has made substantial progress in reducing infant mortality. Improvements in obstetric care, greater access to prenatal screenings, and public health campaigns targeting high-risk pregnancies have all contributed to a steady decline in infant deaths. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and targeted social programs remains essential to narrowing the remaining gap between Reunion and mainland France, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations in more economically disadvantaged areas of the island.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic86.0%

French (official), Creole widely used

• Creole
• French