- Population:
- 343,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Martinique was colonized by the French in the 17th century and remains an overseas department of France. Its economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and trade, with strong cultural ties to both the Caribbean and France.
Martinique is an overseas department and region of France located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is an island with an area of approximately 1,128 square kilometers and a population of about 376,000 people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Fort-de-France. The official language is French, with Antillean Creole also widely spoken. As an overseas department of France, Martinique is an integral part of the French Republic and operates under French law. The economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and services. Martinique is known for its lush landscapes, volcanic mountains, and vibrant Creole culture. As part of France, it is also a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency.