Saint Paul is a city in the overseas department of Réunion, located in the Indian Ocean. It is the most populous commune in the arrondissement of Saint-Paul and serves as a significant administrative and residential center on the island.
The city covers an area of 241.28 km² and is home to a population of 104,332 residents. French is the official language, and the city operates within the Indian/Reunion time zone.
Overview
Situated on the western coast of the island, it serves as the administrative center of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. The coordinates for the commune are -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222. As one of the significant urban centers in Réunion, Saint Paul plays a notable role in the local administrative and demographic landscape.
The commune covers a total area of 241.28 km². With a population of 104,332, Saint Paul is one of the more populous communes in the region. The official language spoken in Saint Paul is French, consistent with the broader linguistic context of the French overseas territory. The time zone observed in Saint Paul is Indian/Reunion, which aligns with the standard timekeeping for the island.
Saint Paul's status as a major commune in Réunion is reflected in its administrative and demographic characteristics. The commune is part of the first-level subdivision of Réunion and falls under the second-level subdivision of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. These administrative divisions help organize the governance and management of the area, contributing to the overall structure of the region.
The geographic and administrative details of Saint Paul provide a foundation for understanding its role within Réunion. The commune's location, population, and administrative structure are key factors in its identity and function within the broader context of the French overseas department.
Geography
Saint Paul is a city located in France, specifically within the first-level subdivision of Réunion. It serves as the seat of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul, a second-level administrative subdivision. The city is situated at the coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222. The time zone for Saint Paul is Indian/Reunion.
The total area of Saint Paul is 241.28 km². The official language spoken in the city is French. The population of Saint Paul is 104,332.
The physical geography of Saint Paul includes the Ravine Fleurimont. This feature is a notable part of the city's landscape.
The city's location within Réunion places it in the Indian Ocean. The coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 indicate its position in the southern hemisphere. The area of 241.28 km² encompasses the urban and rural parts of the city. The population of 104,332 reflects the number of residents in Saint Paul.
The arrondissement of Saint-Paul is an administrative division within Réunion. Saint Paul is the main city in this arrondissement. The city's geography is characterized by its coastal location and inland features. The Ravine Fleurimont is a significant geographic feature within the city.
The city's administrative status as a city in France means it follows French administrative structures. The first-level subdivision of Réunion is an overseas department and region. The second-level subdivision of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul is a further division within Réunion.
The coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 are precise and indicate the city's location. The time zone Indian/Reunion is used for local timekeeping.
The city's location in Réunion means it is part of the French overseas territories. The city's geography includes coastal areas and inland regions.
The city's administrative structure includes the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. The city is a key part of this administrative division. The city's location and geography are important for understanding its role in Réunion.
The city's population of 104,332 is a significant number for a city in Réunion. The area of 241.28 km² provides space for urban and rural development. The city's location at -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 places it in a specific geographic context.
The city's time zone of Indian/Reunion is consistent with its location in the Indian Ocean. The city's official language of French is used in administration and daily life. The city's geography includes the Ravine Fleurimont, which is a notable feature.
The area of 241.28 km² is a measure of the city's land area. The city's location at -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 is a precise geographic coordinate.
The city's time zone
Administration
Administratively, the city serves as the capital of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul, which is a second-level subdivision of the island. The arrondissement is one of the four main administrative divisions of Réunion, functioning as an intermediate level of governance between the departmental level and the individual communes. As the seat of the subprefecture, Saint Paul hosts key administrative offices that manage local affairs for the surrounding municipalities within the arrondissement.
Administrative Hierarchy
The administrative structure of Saint Paul reflects the broader French territorial organization. Réunion is an overseas department of France, meaning it holds the same status as mainland departments but is geographically situated in the Indian Ocean. The island is divided into four arrondissements, each centered on a major town. Saint Paul is the central commune of its namesake arrondissement. This arrondissement encompasses the western and southwestern coastal areas of the island, a region characterized by its historical significance and economic activity. The commune of Saint Paul itself is further subdivided into cantons, which are electoral districts used for the election of departmental councilors. These cantons help to organize local representation and administrative services within the larger commune.
The role of Saint Paul as a subprefecture means that it handles various administrative tasks that might otherwise be managed by the prefecture in the capital, Saint-Denis. This includes civil registry services, local planning, and the coordination of public works. The administrative boundaries of the commune and the arrondissement are defined by the French state and are subject to periodic review and adjustment to reflect demographic changes and urban development. The commune's status as a capital of an arrondissement gives it a prominent position in the regional administrative landscape, influencing its infrastructure and public services.
Local Governance
Local governance in Saint Paul is exercised through a municipal council, which is elected by the residents of the commune. The council is responsible for managing local affairs, including urban planning, education, and social services. The mayor of Saint Paul plays a crucial role in the administration of the commune, overseeing the execution of council decisions and representing the city in regional and national contexts. The administrative offices in Saint Paul serve not only the residents of the commune but also those of the other communes within the arrondissement, making it a hub for administrative activity in western Réunion. The efficiency and effectiveness of local governance are critical to the development and well-being of the region, particularly given the unique challenges and opportunities presented by its overseas status.
The administrative divisions within Saint Paul, including its cantons, are designed to ensure effective representation and service delivery to the local population. These divisions are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in population distribution and urban growth. The commune's administrative structure supports its role as a key economic and cultural center in Réunion, facilitating the management of local resources and the implementation of regional development strategies. The integration of Saint Paul into the broader French administrative framework ensures that it benefits from national policies and funding while maintaining a degree of local autonomy to address specific regional needs.
Demographics
Saint Paul is a city located in the country of France. It is situated within the first-level subdivision of Réunion. Administratively, the city falls under the second-level subdivision known as the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. The official language used in Saint Paul is French.
These geographic and administrative details define the location and jurisdictional framework of the city within the French territorial structure.
Population and Area
This figure represents the total number of inhabitants residing within the city limits. The area of Saint Paul covers 241.28 square kilometers. This land area includes the urban and surrounding territories that constitute the municipal boundaries of the city.
Based on the population and area figures, the population density of Saint Paul can be calculated. With a population of 104,332 spread across an area of 241.28 square kilometers, the density is approximately 432.4 inhabitants per square kilometer. This metric provides insight into the distribution of residents across the city's land mass.
The demographic data for Saint Paul is derived from the provided ground truth information. The population count of 104,332 and the area measurement of 241.28 square kilometers are the key statistics for understanding the scale of the city. These figures are essential for geographic and administrative analysis of Saint Paul within the context of Réunion and France.
The city's population and area are static figures based on the available data. The population density calculation is a direct result of dividing the population by the area. This provides a standardized measure for comparing Saint Paul with other cities in terms of residential concentration.
The administrative context of Saint Paul as part of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul in Réunion is relevant to its demographic profile. The city's location in France and its use of French as the official language are consistent with its administrative classification. The time zone of Indian/Reunion further situates the city within the broader temporal framework of the region.
The coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 pinpoint the exact location of Saint Paul. This geographic precision is important for mapping and spatial analysis. The city's position within the arrondissement of Saint-Paul highlights its role within the local administrative hierarchy.
The population figure of 104,332 is a specific count that reflects the number of people living in Saint Paul. The area of 241.28 square kilometers defines the spatial extent of the city. Together, these two metrics provide a comprehensive overview of the city's demographic and geographic characteristics.
The calculation of population density is a standard method for assessing how crowded or sparse a city is. For Saint Paul, the density of approximately 432.4 inhabitants per square kilometer indicates a moderate level of residential concentration. This is a useful statistic for urban planning and resource allocation.
The provided data does not include historical population trends or future projections. The current population and area figures are the primary demographic indicators available for Saint Paul. These statistics are essential for understanding the city's current status within the administrative and geographic context of Réunion and France.
The city of Saint Paul is an important part of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. Its population and area contribute to the overall demographic profile of the region. The use of French as the official language and the location within France are key aspects of the city's identity.
The geographic coordinates and time zone information provide additional context for the city's location. The coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222 are specific to Saint Paul and help in identifying its position on the map.
The calculated population density of approximately 432.4 inhabitants per square kilometer is a derived metric that provides further insight into the city's characteristics.
The administrative structure of Saint Paul as part of the arrondissement of Saint-Paul in Réunion is a key aspect of its identity.
What is Saint Paul known for?
Administrative and Geographic Profile
The municipality is situated at coordinates -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222, placing it in the southwestern part of the island.
This landmass supports a population of 104,332 residents. As an administrative center, Saint Paul plays a structural role in the governance of the western portion of Réunion. The combination of its geographic size and population density reflects its status as a significant urban entity within the French overseas territory.
Distinction from Historical Figures
The name "Saint Paul" is frequently associated with Paul the Apostle, a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century AD. Paul the Apostle is generally regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. He founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe from the mid-40s to the mid-50s AD and made significant contributions towards the New Testament.
While the city shares its name with this historical religious figure, the urban entity in Réunion is defined by its geographic and administrative characteristics rather than direct historical continuity with the apostle's life. The naming convention reflects the broader influence of Christian nomenclature in French colonial and post-colonial geography. Readers should distinguish between the French city and the biblical figure when referencing "Saint Paul" in different contexts.
Background: Saint Paul is one of the municipalities in Réunion, an island territory of France in the Indian Ocean. Its administrative role as an arrondissement capital highlights its importance in the regional structure of the island.
History
The historical development of the commune of Saint Paul is inextricably linked to the broader colonial history of the island of Réunion, an overseas department of France located in the Indian Ocean. While the provided grounding data establishes the entity's current administrative status within the arrondissement of Saint-Paul and its geographic coordinates at -21.009722222222, 55.269722222222, specific historical dates regarding the commune's founding, expansion, or administrative evolution are not explicitly detailed in the immediate source material. Consequently, the narrative of Saint Paul's history must be understood through the lens of its geographic and demographic context as a significant urban center within the region.
As a city with a population of 104,332 inhabitants, Saint Paul represents one of the more populous settlements on the island. The commune covers a substantial land area of 241.28 square kilometers, suggesting a historical pattern of territorial consolidation that likely incorporated surrounding rural or semi-rural zones over time. This large administrative footprint is characteristic of many communes in Réunion, where the boundaries often extend from the coastal plains up into the mountainous interior, reflecting the diverse topography of the island.
The designation "Saint Paul" itself points to the strong influence of French colonial administration and Catholicism in the region's early development. The use of French as the official language further underscores the enduring administrative and cultural ties to the metropole. The commune's location within the arrondissement of Saint-Paul indicates its role as a primary administrative hub for the surrounding area, a status that has likely persisted since the arrondissement's establishment.
Geographically, the coordinates place Saint Paul in the southwestern part of the island, a region historically significant for its agricultural production and port activities. The time zone of Indian/Reunion situates the commune within the broader temporal framework of the western Indian Ocean, facilitating trade and communication with neighboring territories. While specific historical events, such as the arrival of the first settlers or the establishment of key infrastructure, are not enumerated in the current grounding data, the demographic and geographic facts provided offer a foundation for understanding the commune's scale and significance.
The absence of detailed historical chronology in the immediate source material highlights the need for further archival research to fully reconstruct the timeline of Saint Paul's development. However, the current data confirms its status as a major urban entity within the French administrative system, characterized by a substantial population and a large territorial area. The commune's history is thus reflected in its present-day metrics, which demonstrate its importance as a center of population and administration in Réunion.
It is important to note that the historical narrative of any commune in Réunion is also shaped by the island's volcanic origins and the subsequent migration patterns of its inhabitants, including the arrival of African, Indian, and Chinese laborers during the 19th and 20th centuries. While these broader historical trends are not explicitly detailed in the provided grounding, they provide essential context for understanding the demographic composition and cultural landscape of Saint Paul. The commune's development has been influenced by these factors, contributing to its current status as a diverse and significant urban center.
In summary, the historical development of Saint Paul is characterized by its growth into a major administrative and demographic hub within the arrondissement of Saint-Paul. The commune's large area and significant population reflect its importance in the regional landscape. While specific historical dates and events are not provided in the current source, the geographic and demographic data offer a clear picture of the commune's scale and significance within the French overseas department of Réunion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Saint Paul?
What is the total area of Saint Paul?
Saint Paul covers an area of 241.28 km².
What time zone is Saint Paul in?
What are the coordinates of Saint Paul?
What is the administrative status of Saint Paul?
Saint Paul is a city in the overseas department of Réunion, France, and is the most populous commune in the arrondissement of Saint-Paul.