- Population:
- 375,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Guadeloupe was colonized by the French in the 17th century and remains an overseas department of France. It has a mixed economy based on tourism, agriculture, and trade, with strong cultural ties to the Caribbean and France.
Guadeloupe is an overseas region and department of France located in the Caribbean Sea. It consists of six inhabited islands—Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the Îles des Saintes—as well as numerous uninhabited islets. Covering a total area of approximately 1,628 square kilometers, Guadeloupe has a population of about 400,000 people as of 2023. The capital is Basse-Terre, while the largest city is Pointe-à-Pitre. The official language is French, with Antillean Creole also widely spoken. As an integral part of France, Guadeloupe is part of the European Union and its currency is the euro. The economy relies on tourism, agriculture (notably bananas and sugarcane), and services. Guadeloupe is known for its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, beaches, and active volcanoes, such as La Grande Soufrière. The culture is a blend of French and Caribbean influences, evident in its music, dance, and cuisine.
