Réunion is an island in Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.

The climate in Réunion is tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation.

The terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous, with fertile lowlands along the coast.

The lowest point is the Indian Ocean and the highest is Piton des Neiges at 3,069 m. Réunion's natural resources are fish, arable land and hydropower.

The use of the land in 1993 is described in the table below: Local natural hazards include: periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April), and Piton de la Fournaise (2,631 m) on the southeastern coast, which is an active volcano.