Economy of Réunion
Overview
The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but services now dominate. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, which amounts to one-third of the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than other segments of the population, often approaching European standards, whereas minority groups suffer the poverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrated the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from France.
GDP
Real Growth Rate
3%
Per Capita
USD 6,200
From Agriculture
8%
From Industry
19%
From Services
73%
Labour Force
Available for Work
Unknown
Working in Agriculture
0%
Working in Industry
0%
Working in Services
0%
Unemployment Rate
0%
Population Below Poverty Line
0%
Inflation Rate
0%
Investment as Percent of GDP
0%
Budget
Revenues
USD 555 (m)
Expenditures
USD 555 (m)
Public Debt
US$ 0.00 (m)
Agricultural Products
Sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco, tropical fruits, vegetables, corn.
Core Industries
Sugar, rum, cigarettes, handicraft items, flower oil extraction.
Exports
Value
USD 248 (m)
Commodities
Sugar 63%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 2%, lobster 3%.
Partners
France 74%, Japan 6%, Comoros 4% (2004)
Imports
Value
USD 3,306 (m)
Commodities
Manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products.
Partners
France 64%, Bahrain 3%, Germany 3%, Italy 3% (2004).
External Debt
USD Unknown (m)
Fiscal Year
calendar year
