Saint-Denis, Réunion
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Saint-Denis |
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| Panoramic view of the city from the heights of Bellepierre | |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Overseas region and department | Réunion |
| Arrondissement | Saint-Denis |
| Intercommunality | Nord de la Réunion |
| Mayor | Gilbert Annette (2008–2014) |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 0–2,276 m (0–7,467 ft) (avg. 23 m or 75 ft) |
| Land area1 | 142.79 km2 (55.13 sq mi) |
| Population2 | 142,241 (2007) |
| - Density | 996 /km2 (2,580 /sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 97411/ 97400 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Coordinates: 20°52′44″S 55°26′53″E / 20.8789°S 55.4481°E
Saint-Denis (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃.də.ni], or unofficially Saint-Denis de la Réunion for disambiguation) is the préfecture (administrative capital) of the French overseas region and department of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It is located at the island's northernmost point, close to the mouth of the Rivière Saint-Denis.
Saint-Denis is the most populous commune in the French overseas departments. At the 1999 census, there were 158,139 inhabitants in the urban area of Saint-Denis, 131,557 of whom lived in the city (commune) of Saint-Denis proper and the remainder in the neighbouring commune of Sainte-Marie.
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[edit] History
Saint-Denis was founded by Étienne Régnault in 1669 and became the capital of Réunion island in 1738.
[edit] Transport and accommodation
The closest airport is Roland Garros Airport which is also the main international airport of Réunion. The Réunion Tram Train, scheduled to start construction in 2008, will link the city to the airport and to Réunion's second city, Saint-Paul.
The hotels in Saint-Denis include Mercure Creolia Hotel, Austral Hotel and Best Western.
[edit] Politics
[edit] Mayors
- since 2008: Gilbert Annette, PS
- 2001–2008: René-Paul Victoria, UMP
- 1994–2001: Michel Tamaya, PS
- 1989–1994: Gilbert Annette, PS
- 1969–1989: Auguste Legros, RPR
[edit] Attractions
- Léon Dierx Museum (art gallery and museum)
- Jardin de l'Etat (public gardens – includes a natural history museum)
- Le Barachois, seafront park
- La Roche Écrite (15 km south of the city), summit overlooking Saint-Denis, with impressive views over the city
[edit] Economy
IBM has an office in Saint-Denis.[1]
[edit] International relations
Prince Bảo Vang of Vietnam (also known as Yves Claude Vinh San) the son of Emperor Duy Tân, was born and currently resides in Saint-Denis, Réunion with his family.
[edit] Twin towns – Sister cities
Saint-Denis, Réunion is twinned with:
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "IBM Réunion." IBM. Retrieved on 21 October 2009.
[edit] External links
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Saint-Denis, Réunion |
- Official website (French)
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