Basic data Martinique
• official language French; capital Fort-de-France; Area 1,128 km² (79x39km) with approx. 396,000 inhabitants; currency euro
• Native people say Madinina (flower island), still used today
• Fully integrated part of the French. state; part of the EU
geography
• 25km S of Dominica, 37km N of St. Lucia; approx. 6,850km from Paris, 440km off the coast of Venezuela; coastline approx. 350 km long; To the north of the island lies the volcano Montagne Pelée (height 1,397m)
climate
• tropical; rainy season from Jun to Oct; north humid & lush vegetation; south drier; mean air temperatures 21-30° (avg., can get hotter); water temp. between 26°C to above 28°C; Jun – Nov Hurricanes possible
• Habitation Clément - former sugar cane and rum plantation, the famous Rum Clément is still produced today. The plantation dates back to the 18th century and was declared an historic monument in 1996. The main house in Creole style is still furnished in the original and has already welcomed various international politicians; such as US President George Bush, and Francois Mitterand. They chose this site for a summit meeting following the end of the war in Kuwait
population
• approx. 80% African. Origin; 15% Indian, approx. 5% European
• all residents are called Creoles
• Religion: 85% Roman Catholic, 10.5% Prot.; 0.5% Islam & Hindus each
story
• first settlements 4,000 BC; approx. 100 BC populated by Arawak
• first European Columbus on June 15, 1502 on his fourth journey (near today's Carbet municipality)
• 1664 by founding the French. East India Company came Mart. Owned by the French Crown.
• 1783 approx. 60,000 slaves, 1794 abolition, 1802 reintroduced by Napoleon, 1848 end
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infrastructure/economy
• Flight time approx. 9 hours to Paris; Excellent road network, partly with 4 lanes; Regular ferries to neighboring islands
• GDP approx. €19,000/inhabitant (highest GDP of all Caribbean countries); approx. 74% purchase Compared to the EU
• Bananas 40% of exports; furthermore cane sugar, rum, pineapple
• Tourism 7% GDP (about 80% from France)
Fort de France (approx. 90,000 inhabitants)
• Stadium (16,300 grants) Municipale Pierre Aliker