Quick facts
Réunion population overview
Réunion is the 52nd most populous of 58 countries and territories in Africa. The United Nations put the population at 885,117 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of +0.5% the live estimate on this page rises by roughly 11 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 11,329 births (12.8 per 1,000 people) and 5,222 deaths (5.9 per 1,000), and net emigration of roughly 2,036 people. The infant mortality rate is 4 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population grew from 248,607 in 1950 to 882,203 in 2025 — a change of +254.9%, or +1.7% per year on average. The population is at its all-time high today.
Demographically, the median age is 38.4 years; life expectancy at birth is 83.9 years.
Réunion population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 888,293 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 885,117 |
| World rank | #164 of 238 |
| Rank in Africa | #52 of 58 |
| Share of world population | 0.011% |
| Annual growth rate | +0.5% |
| Births per year est. | 11,329 |
| Deaths per year est. | 5,222 |
| Net migration per year est. | -2,036 |
| Birth rate | 12.8 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 5.9 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 4 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 90.4 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 38.4 years |
| Life expectancy | 83.9 years |
Réunion population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 888,293 | – | – |
| 2025 | 882,203 | +20,480 | +0.5% |
| 2020 | 861,723 | +7,217 | +0.2% |
| 2015 | 854,506 | +24,270 | +0.6% |
| 2010 | 830,236 | +45,624 | +1.1% |
| 2005 | 784,612 | +46,042 | +1.2% |
| 2000 | 738,570 | +54,342 | +1.5% |
| 1995 | 684,228 | +56,942 | +1.8% |
| 1990 | 627,286 | +52,080 | +1.7% |
| 1985 | 575,206 | +43,639 | +1.6% |
| 1980 | 531,567 | +34,416 | +1.3% |
| 1975 | 497,151 | +38,607 | +1.6% |
| 1970 | 458,544 | +51,188 | +2.4% |
| 1965 | 407,356 | +59,078 | +3.2% |
| 1960 | 348,278 | +53,065 | +3.4% |
| 1955 | 295,213 | +46,606 | +3.5% |
| 1950 | 248,607 | – | – |
Change and annual growth are measured against the previous row; growth is annualized where rows are five years apart. The live row extrapolates the UN estimate and is not directly comparable with the UN World Population Prospects series.
About Réunion
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for Réunion — this is normal for small territories and a few special cases. The live counters above run on the latest UN-based estimates, and the population history below comes from the UN World Population Prospects.
Population over time
- From 248,607 in 1950 to 888,293 today — up 257.3%.
- The population is at its all-time high right now.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: +1.2% per year.
Réunion in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Réunion in 2026?
As of October 2026, Réunion has an estimated population of 888,293. The United Nations estimated 885,117 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the +0.5% annual growth rate.
Is the population of Réunion growing or shrinking?
It is growing at +0.5% per year — roughly 11 more people every day. Each year there are about 11,329 births and 5,222 deaths, with net migration of -2,036.
What is the median age in Réunion?
The median age is 38.4 years, and life expectancy at birth is 83.9 years.
How does Réunion rank by population?
Réunion is the 164th most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 52nd in Africa, with 0.011% of the global population.
How has the population of Réunion changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 248,607; by 2025 it had grown to 882,203 (+254.9%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
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FijiSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (+0.5%); births, deaths and migration counters apply the UN crude rates to the live figure. Historical series, area, GDP and other indicators are from the UN World Population Prospects; the encyclopedic summary is from Wikipedia. Figures are statistical estimates, not census counts. Page generated 2026-10-19. More about our data.