Saint-Benoît Map

Description:

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Description:

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Saint-Benoît is a commune located on the eastern coast of Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. With a population of approximately 37,585 inhabitants, it serves as the main administrative and commercial center for the eastern region of the island.

The city is situated at the mouth of the Rivière des Marsouins and is known for its significant agricultural activity, particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane and vanilla. Saint-Benoît experiences a tropical climate with considerable rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the wettest regions in Réunion, with annual precipitation exceeding 3,500 millimeters.

Notable landmarks include the Church of Saint-Benoît, built in 1733, which stands as one of the oldest religious buildings on the island. The city is also home to the Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin, a botanical garden that houses numerous indigenous plant species and plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. The Bethléem Museum showcases the region's historical and cultural heritage.

Transportation infrastructure connects Saint-Benoît to other parts of Réunion through the National Road 2, which runs along the eastern coast. The commune maintains several educational institutions, including the Lycée Amiral Pierre Bouvet and various primary and secondary schools. The local economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, commerce, and public services, with the agricultural sector being particularly significant due to the fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate conditions.

The Facts:
Arrondissement: Saint-Benoît.
Commune: Saint-Benoît.
Canton: Saint-Benoît-1 and Saint-Benoît-2.
Population: ~ 37,585 (2022).
Population (Arrondissement): ~ 130,000.
Area (Arrondissement): ~ 284.1 sq mi (735.8 sq km).
Area (Commune): ~ 88.6 sq mi (229.6 sq km).