Overview of Martinique

Profile

Martinique is a volcanic island in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean Sea, administratively holding the same status as mainland France as an overseas department and region. Mount Pelée, an active volcano, dominates the north, while white sand beaches dot the south. The island features sugarcane and banana plantations, AOC-certified rum production, Creole culture blending French and African elements, and colorful carnivals. The currency is the euro and the language is French, but Creole is widely spoken in daily life, with uniqueness expressed in food culture, music, and dance. As part of the EU while being a tropical resort, it attracts tourists from around the world.

Official name: Martinique, French Republic
Common name: Martinique
Numeric code: 474
Alpha-3 code: MTQ
Alpha-2 code: MQ
Population: Approximately 370,000 people (2021)
Population density: Approximately 327 people/km²
Primary languages: French, Martinican Creole
Major religions: Roman Catholic
National anthem: La Marseillaise
Calling code: +596
Internet TLD: .mq

History

French settlers arrived in 1635, and it became a French overseas department in 1946, integrated into mainland France.

Christopher Columbus recorded the island during his voyage in 1502, originally inhabited by the Carib people, and in 1635, French colonists based in Saint Christopher officially occupied it. It prospered through sugarcane-slave labor plantations, experiencing back-and-forth occupation by Britain and France during the Seven Years' War and Napoleonic Wars. After the abolition of slavery in 1848, Creole society formed. The 1902 Mount Pelée eruption devastated Saint-Pierre. After World War II in 1946, it gained overseas department status through the efforts of Aimé Césaire and others. In 2015, the "Martinique Assembly" was established, merging the departmental and regional councils. It continues to be part of the French Republic while belonging to the EU, seeking a balance between autonomy and identity.

Geography & climate

The north features steep volcanoes and deep valleys, the center has hilly banana fields, and the south has low limestone plateaus surrounded by inlets ringed with coral reefs.

Tropical maritime (distinct rainy and dry seasons)

Area: North America / 1128 km²
Capital: Fort-de-France
Largest city: Fort-de-France
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic soil, Sugarcane, Tropical fruits, Fishery resources, Geothermal energy, Mangrove forests, Coral reefs, Freshwater springs, Tourism scenery, Medicinal plants

Politics

Government: Overseas department and region of the French Republic (local government)

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Martinican Creole

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Caribbean, Mulatto (mixed race), Indo-Martiniquais, European French, Syrian-Lebanese, Chinese immigrants

Life expectancy

Approximately 81 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Football, Yole boat racing, Athletics, Cricket, Basketball, Sailing