Réunion

Réunion's population of nearly 900,000 is substantial for a small island, exceeding the population of many other small island nations globally. However, it is tiny compared to the massive populations of mainland Eastern African countries, highlighting its unique demographic scale within its geographical region.

As an island territory located far from the European mainland, Réunion is highly dependent on maritime and air links for essential goods, energy, and tourism. This isolation inherently raises the cost of living and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions, despite its European economic backing.

Réunion's relatively small area (2,511 km²) means that land use planning and environmental protection are critical issues, especially given its high population concentration. The capital, Saint-Denis, must manage the administrative needs of a large population on a constrained tropical island landscape.

Despite being geographically located in the African region and subregion of Eastern Africa, Réunion is an overseas department of France and thus operates under European Union governance and economic standards. This dual identity creates a significant economic and political contrast with its immediate neighbors like Madagascar or Mauritius.