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Martinique Location : Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Capital City : Fort-de-France
Curreny : euro (EUR); French franc (FRF)
Languages Spoken : French, Creole patois
Climate : tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid
National Holiday : Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)
Background Information
Colonized by France in 1635, the island has subsequently remained a French possession except for three brief periods of foreign occupation.
Geographical Note
the island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants
Economy
The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism, which employs more than 11,000 people, has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration.
Religions
Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%
Ports : Fort-de-France, La Trinite
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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Martinique
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