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Martinique

Martinique

Capital:Fort-de-France
Population:3.1M
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Language:French, Creole patois
A delicious salad from a french restaurant in Martinique

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Martinique.

Martinique Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Most people are descendants of African slaves with some being a mix of black and European origin. The island is an administrative district of France and has a French influence in the culture. Tourism is the major economy which also influences the culture. France has provided substantial financial aid to provide for a modest level of prosperity for the people of the island.

Cultural Attributes

Most people are descendants of African slaves with some being a mix of black and European origin. The island is an administrative district of France and has a French influence in the culture. Tourism is the major economy which also influences the culture. France has provided substantial financial aid to provide for a modest level of prosperity for the people of the island.

A delicious salad from a french restaurant in Martinique

Island of Flowers, Rhythm of the Caribbean

Diet

Although Martinique is a mountainous island, sugar cane is grown as the primary crop. Other crops include bananas, cotton, pineapples, and tobacco.

Holidays

  • Bastille Day

    7/14

    Other

Dates of Interest

  • July 14th

What foods are common in Martinique?

Martinique is a mountainous island where sugar cane is grown as the primary crop.

Good to know

  • Other crops include bananas, cotton, pineapples, and tobacco

What should I know about Martinique's culture before visiting?

Martinique is an administrative district of France with a strong French influence in its culture, and most people are descendants of African slaves, some of mixed black and European origin.

Good to know

  • Tourism is the major economy and also influences the culture
  • France has provided substantial financial aid supporting a modest level of prosperity

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Martinique

Travel and Tourism

Currency
euro (EUR)
Climate
tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid
Airports
2
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Columbian Era

    130 – 1502

    Martinique was successively inhabited by Arawak (Saladoid) peoples and later by the Caribs (Kalinago), who called the island 'Madinina.' These communities sustained themselves through fishing, agriculture, and inter-island trade across the Caribbean. The Caribs were the dominant inhabitants when European contact finally occurred in the late 15th century.

  2. European Contact

    1502 – 1635

    Christopher Columbus likely sighted and landed on Martinique in 1502, but Spanish colonial interest in the island remained minimal due to the absence of precious metals. The Caribs successfully resisted early European encroachments, leaving Martinique largely unsettled by Europeans for over a century following first contact.

  3. French Colonization

    1635 – 1794

    French settlers under Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc established a permanent colony in 1635, displacing and ultimately decimating the Carib population despite initial promises of shared territory. Sugar cultivation transformed the island's economy, driving the mass importation of enslaved Africans. Britain made repeated attempts to seize the island during this period, occupying it briefly during the Seven Years' War and the Anglo-French conflicts of the late 18th century.

  4. Abolition & Plantation Era

    1794 – 1902

    Slavery was definitively abolished in 1848 under Victor Schoelcher's landmark decree, fundamentally reshaping Martinique's labor structure. Tens of thousands of indentured workers subsequently arrived from India to fill the plantation workforce. The era closed catastrophically in 1902 when the eruption of Mount Pelée obliterated the city of Saint-Pierre, killing approximately 30,000 people.

  5. Overseas Department

    1902 – 1974

    Following the devastation of the Pelée eruption, Fort-de-France rose as the island's new capital. During World War II, Martinique aligned with the Vichy regime until a U.S. naval blockade compelled its transfer to the Free French in 1943. In 1946, Martinique was formally integrated into France as an Overseas Department rather than pursuing independence, granting its inhabitants full French citizenship.

  6. Autonomy & Modern Era

    1974 – present

    Martinique gained regional status in 1974 and received expanded local political and economic autonomy under President Mitterrand's decentralization reforms of 1982–1983. The island's political landscape has been shaped by parties ranging from Gaullist conservatives to nationalist movements such as the Mouvement Indépendantiste Martiniquais. Martinique continues to navigate its dual identity as an integral part of France and a distinct Caribbean society, balancing economic dependency with cultural sovereignty.

Overview

Prior to the discovery of Martinique by Columbus in 1493, the area was inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians. Visited by Columbus, probably in 1502, the island was ignored by the Spanish; colonization began in 1635, when the French, who had promised the native Caribs the western half of the island, established a settlement.

There was no real European interest in the island until French colonies were established in 1635. Though the British made brief attempts to occupy the island during the 18th and 19th centuries, it has remained under French control ever since (along with Guadeloupe). Slavery was abolished in 1848 and, in the late 19th century, tens of thousands of immigrant workers arrived from India to replace the slave workforce on the plantations. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe were administered as parts of French Antilles. Martinique supported the Vichy regime after France’s collapse in World War II, but in 1943 a U.S. naval blockade forced the island to transfer its allegiance to the Free French. In 1946, rather than following a path to independence, the two islands were incorporated into the French nation with the status of Overseas Departments. It became a department of France in 1946 and an administrative region in 1974.

There was little political evolution until 1974 when Martinique, along with Guadeloupe and French Guiana, was granted some local political and economic autonomy. This was increased in 1982 and 1983 following a package of decentralization policies introduced by French President Mitterand. Most affairs, with the major exceptions of defense and security, are now generally under local control. The thrust of French government policy in the region is now to bolster links between its remaining possessions, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and other French Caribbean nations.

Four parties dominate the political scene in Martinique: the Gaullist RPR-UDF (allied to the French party of the same name), the Parti Communiste Martiniquais and two island-based nationalist parties, the Parti Progressiste Martiniquais (PPM) and the Mouvement Indépendantiste Martiniquais (MIM, which now operates under the moniker Patriotes Martiniquais). Martinique’s political center of gravity is generally, but not always, to the left of the French mainstream.

Although the island has recovered from the extensive damage caused by a hurricane in 1980, France has continued its attempts to improve the economic life of the Martinique, which is plagued by overpopulation and a lack of development.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 130

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Appearance of the first inhabitants : Arawaks. They come from the tropical forest

  2. 295

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Disappearance of the Arawak culture, following a eruption of the vulcano ”montagne Peléel“.The island is left during one century

  3. 400

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    New arawak arrival.

  4. 600

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Appearance of a new civilization, the Caraïbes. Like the Arawak one, it is from the tropical forest. The Arawaks fear the Caraïbes, because they had strange habits (castration, ...) and confront them during years

  5. 600

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Appearance of a new civilization, the Caraïbes. Like the Arawak one, it is from the tropical forest. The Arawaks fear the Caraïbes, because they had strange habits (castration, ...) and confront them during years. However, the Arawaks are exterminated and they disappear of the island.

  6. 1502

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Christopher Colombus discovers Martinique. He lands where the town called Carbet is now located (in the north of the island, on the Caribbean Sea).

  7. 1635

    http://www.la-martinique.net/Communicator/anglais/history.htm

    Belain d'Esnambuc lands near the Roxelane river with a hundred of settlers. They build a fort to protect the area (origin of the fort of Saint Pierre).

View full timeline (41 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The world's deadliest volcanic eruption happened May 8, 1902 at Mount Pelee. There were an estimated 29,025 deaths.

  • The island was called "Madinina" (Island of Flowers) by the Caribs.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Climate
tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid
Natural Hazards
hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years)
Current Environmental Issues
NA
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

French, Creole patois

  • Creole patois
  • French

Population

Population
3,129,486
Nationality Noun
Martiniquais (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Chinese less than 5%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Martinique
Full Country Name
Department of Martinique
Local - Long
Departement de la Martinique
Local - Short
Martinique

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
French legal system
Executive Branch
chief of state: President of France Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); Prefect Jean-Christophe BOUVIER (since 2021) head of government: President of the Territorial Collectivity Serge LETCHIMY (since December 2021); note - Martinique became a single Territorial Collectivity in December 2015, replacing the former separate General Council and Regional Council cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Territorial Council elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; the president of the Territorial Council is elected by the members of that council
Legislative Branch
unicameral General Council or Conseil General (45 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) elections: General Council - last held March 2000 (next to be held in 2006); Regional Council - last held on 28 March 2004 (next to be held by March 2010) election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - left-wing candidates 13, PPM 11, RPR 6, right-wing candidates 5, PCM 3, UDF 3, PMS 2, independents 2; note - the PPM won a plurality; Regional Council (second round) - percent of vote by party - MIM 53.8%, PPM 30.6%; seats by party - MIM 28, PPM 9, other 4 note: Martinique elects 2 seats to the French Senate; elections last held September 2004 (next to be held September 2008); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPM 1, left-wing candidate 1; Martinique also elects 4 seats to the French National Assembly; elections last held, first round - 9 June 2002, second round - 16 June 2002 (next to be held not later than June 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1, PMS 1, MIM 1, left-wing candidate 1 (candidacy of the left-wing candidate was found invalid by the Constitutional Council; new elections will be called)
Judicial Branch
Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Independence
none (overseas department of France)
National Holiday
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Capital City

Capital Name
Fort-de-France

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown

Wildey Business park

Wildey

St. Michael, Barbados

Telephone: (246) 227-4399

Emergency after-hours telephone: (246) 227-4000

Facsimile: (246) 431-0179

Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Barbadian and U.S. holidays.

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Economy

Martinique's economy is based on tourism, services, light industry, agriculture, and a substantial public sector supported by financial transfers from mainland France. Services dominate the economy, accounting for over 80% of GDP, while agriculture contributes roughly 2% and industry about 12%. Bananas and rum remain the principal agricultural exports, with bananas shipped mainly to France and rum increasingly recognized internationally for its quality. Sugar production has largely disappeared, with most sugarcane now diverted to rum distillation. The island must import the majority of its food, fuel, and consumer goods, resulting in a persistent trade deficit offset by significant aid and subsidies from France and the European Union. Tourism is a key source of foreign exchange, with cruise traffic and stay-over visitors providing employment for thousands of residents. Unemployment remains a chronic challenge, particularly among youth, and the economy continues to rely heavily on its status as a French overseas department for stability and investment.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euro (EUR)

Banknotes

Martinique Money - Front
Martinique Money - Front
Martinique Money - Back
Martinique Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$317,500,000 (USD)
External Debt
$180,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 10%; industry 17%; services 73%
Industries
construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Agriculture Products
pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane
Export Commodities
refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples
Export Partners
France 45%, Guadeloupe 28%
Import Commodities
petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods
Import Partners
France 62%, Venezuela 6%, Germany 4%, Italy 4%, US 3%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
13,800 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Internet Country Code
.mq

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Martinique?
The population of Martinique is approximately 3.1M.
What foods are common in Martinique?
Martinique is a mountainous island where sugar cane is grown as the primary crop. Other crops include bananas, cotton, pineapples, and tobacco
What should I know about Martinique's culture before visiting?
Martinique is an administrative district of France with a strong French influence in its culture, and most people are descendants of African slaves, some of mixed black and European origin. Tourism is the major economy and also influences the culture France has provided substantial financial aid supporting a modest level of prosperity
What is the capital of Martinique?
Fort-de-France is the capital and largest city of Martinique, serving as the island's commercial, cultural, and administrative center. Situated on a natural harbor on the western coast, it is home to the majority of the island's population and functions as the hub of government and trade. The city reflects Martinique's deep French heritage through its architecture, markets, and civic institutions, while also embodying the vibrant Creole culture that defines daily life on the island.
Where is Martinique located?
Martinique is an island located in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean Sea, positioned between Dominica to the north and Saint Lucia to the south. It lies roughly 450 kilometers (280 miles) northeast of Venezuela in the southeastern Caribbean. As an overseas region and department of France, Martinique is politically part of the European Union while geographically belonging to the Caribbean archipelago. The island was historically known to its indigenous Carib inhabitants as Madinina, meaning "Island of Flowers."
What religion is practiced in Martinique?
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Martinique, practiced by approximately 85 percent of the population. This strong Catholic heritage is a direct legacy of French colonization, which began in 1635, and remains deeply embedded in the island's cultural calendar, festivals, and social traditions. Protestant denominations account for roughly 11 percent of the population, with the remaining 2 percent following other religious traditions. Religious observances and Catholic feast days continue to shape community life across the island.
What currency is used in Martinique?
Martinique uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, a direct consequence of its status as an overseas department and region of France and, by extension, a full member of the European Union. The adoption of the Euro integrates Martinique into the broader eurozone economy and facilitates trade and financial transactions with metropolitan France and other EU member states. France provides substantial financial aid to the island, which supports a modest but stable level of economic prosperity for its residents.
What languages are spoken in Martinique?
French is the official language of Martinique and is used in government, education, and formal public life. Alongside French, Creole patois—a French-based Creole language with African, Carib, and European influences—is widely spoken in everyday conversation and is a cornerstone of Martinican cultural identity. Most residents are bilingual, moving fluidly between the two languages depending on social context. Creole music, literature, and oral tradition have elevated the patois to a symbol of the island's distinct heritage.
What is the geography of Martinique like?
Martinique is a relatively small island of volcanic origin in the eastern Caribbean, characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain in the north and gentler rolling hills and coastlines in the south. The island's most dramatic feature is Mount Pelée, an active volcano in the north that achieved tragic notoriety on May 8, 1902, when its eruption killed an estimated 29,025 people in one of the deadliest volcanic events in recorded history. Tropical rainforests, mangroves, and white-sand beaches contribute to a diverse natural landscape concentrated within a compact land area.
What language and cultural influences shape Martinican identity?
Martinique is known for its richly layered Creole culture, which blends French, African, and Caribbean influences across cuisine, music, and daily life. The island's most celebrated cultural exports include zouk music, the spiced rum known as rhum agricole—distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and holding a coveted AOC designation—and a distinctive Creole cuisine featuring dishes like accras de morue and colombo. Most of the population descends from Africans brought to the island as enslaved laborers, and this heritage profoundly shapes Martinique's arts, festivals, and social character. Carnival, one of the Caribbean's most elaborate, draws visitors each year with days of costumed processions and traditional music.
What is Martinique's relationship with France?
Martinique has been a French overseas department and region since 1946, granting it full integration into the French Republic rather than the status of a colony or dependent territory. First colonized by France in 1635, the island remained a French possession through most of its history, aside from three brief periods of foreign occupation. Martinicans are French citizens, vote in French national elections, and send representatives to the French National Assembly and Senate. France provides significant financial support to the island, helping to sustain public services and infrastructure that would be difficult to maintain through the local economy alone.

Last reviewed 2026

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