Réunion is a magnificent island and overseas département of France. This piece of land is also one of the 26 regions of France with the same status as those situated on the European mainland. In fact, Réunion was the first region in the world to use the Euro. The Portuguese were the first navigators to visit this place, and they found it uninhabited in 1513, and named it Santa Apollonia.
The island is 39 miles (63 kilometers) long; 28 miles (45 kilometers) wide; and covers 970 square miles (2512 square kilometres). There are volcanoes named Piton de la Fournaise, La Fournaise and Piton des Neiges.
Reunionese culture is a combination of European, African, Indian, Chinese and insular traditions. The most widely spoken language is Réunion Creole which has been derived from French, with many idiosyncrasies. Réunion Creole is now taught in some schools. However, an official orthography has yet to be agreed upon.
