Chapter 20 · 17th century – today
The 24 communes and their history
The colonial administration gradually divided the island into parishes, each placed under the patronage of a saint, a mark still visible on the map today. Away from the coast, the names become more Malagasy or Creole, such as Cilaos, Salazie or Mafate, bearing witness to another heritage.
From parishes to communes
Each colonial parish bears the name of a saint, a mark still visible on the island's map.
24 communes
Réunion now has 24 communes (municipalities), from the coast to the most isolated cirques.
Photo: Illustration created for the app · Illustration, not an authentic period photograph