Country Guide • Martinique
Martinique is an island located in the windward group of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It is situated between the islands of St.Lucia and Dominica and is of volcanic origin.
| Official Name | Department of Martinique |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,077km² (416mile²) |
| Population | 403,000 |
| Continent | Caribbean/North America |
| Population per mile² | 968 |
| Capital City | Fort-de-France |
| Religions | 88% Roman Catholic, 5% Hindu or follow local native tribal beliefs |
| Language | French and French Creole patois |
| Government | Overseas department of France |
| Member of EU | N/A |
| Currency | Euro |
| GDP | $4.24 billion |
| GDP per Head | $10,700 |
| Natural Resources | |
| Land Use | Arable Land % |
| Agriculture | Bananas, Flowers, Pineapples, Sugar Cane, Tropical Fruits, Vegetables |
| Industry | Construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, bananas, tourism |
| Tourism | Martinique is a part of France in the tropics, so you can expect croissant and bagettes. Martinique does have its own culture too based on West Indian Creole traditions.Approximately a third of Martinique is forested and other areas are given over to pineapples, bananas and sugar cane fields. There are still sleepy fishing villages and remote beaches untouched by development, andfor the energetic plenty of hiking trails into the mountains |
| Natural Hazards | |
| Health Risks | Diarrhoea and intestinal parasites; bilharzia (schistosomiasis) can be present in fresh water |
| Climate | Martinique has a tropical climate with relative humidity ranging from 77 to 85% all year. There is a wet season between July to November and the southern area of the island tends to be drier while December to May are generally the cooler and drier months. Average temperature ranges in Fort de France are from 21 to 29°C between January and March to 23 to 31°C between June and October |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | May 22 Slavery Abolition Day July 14 Bastille Day |
| Visas | Martinique is an Overseas Département of France and, as such, no specific entry requirements are needed for EU, Canadian and US citizens. If you intend, to work or to remain in Martinique for more than three months you should apply for a residence permit at the local Préfecture.Citizens of most other foreign countries, including Australia, need a valid passport and a visa for France. A roundtrip or onward ticket is officially required of visitors |
| British Embassy | There is no resident British Diplomatic Mission in Martinique. In case of emergency, contact the Honorary British Consul in Martinique, 96 Route du Phare, 97200 Fort-de-France, Martinique; (tel: 00 596 596 618 892; fax: 00 596 596 613 389). |
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