Country Guide • Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, comprises Guadeloupe proper (Basse-Terre), Grande-Terre (separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow sea channel) and five smaller islands
| Official Name | Department of Guadeloupe |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,780km² (687mile²) |
| Population | 450,000 |
| Continent | Caribbean/North America |
| Population per mile² | 655 |
| Capital City | Basse-Terre |
| Religions | 92% Roman Catholic |
| Language | French |
| Government | Overseas department of France |
| Currency | Euro |
| GDP | $3.7 billion |
| GDP per Head | $9,200 |
| Natural Resources | |
| Land Use | Arable Land % |
| Agriculture | Aubergines, Bananas, Pineapples, Sugar Cane, Sweet Potatoes, Tropical Fruits and Vegetables |
| Industry | Construction, Light Industry, Sugar Refining, Tourism |
| Tourism | All the islands have beautiful white- or black-sand palm-fringed beaches. There are also many lush mountainous areas with stunning and unspoiled tropical scenery |
| Natural Hazards | |
| Health Risks | Diarrhoea and intestinal parasites; bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is found in fresh water throughout Grande-Terre and in much of Basse-Terre |
| Climate | Guadeloupe has a tropical climate with relative humidity from 77% in March and April to 85% in October. There is a wet season from July to November while November to April is generally the coolest and driest period. Average annual temperature ranges in Pointe-a-Pitre are from 23°C in January to 30°C in August |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | As well as Christmas and Easter there are many public holidays many listed below:- March 1-5 Carnival. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 Victory Day. May 29 Ascension Day. May 27 Abolition of Slavery. June 9 Whit Monday. July 14 Bastille Day. July 21 Victor Schoelcher Day. August 15 Assumption. November 1 All Saints’ Day. November 2 All Souls’ Day. November 11 Armistice Day |
| Visas | Visas are not required of citizens of the US, Canada or the European Union. Citizens of the EU need an official identity card, passport or valid French carte de séjour. Citizens of most other foreign countries, including Australia, need a valid passport and visa for France. All visitors officially require a return or onward ticket |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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