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Martinique Saint Pierre Fort de France Anse Mitan Marina de la Pointe du Bout Anse Noire Grande Anse d'Arlet Petite Anse d'Arlet Le Marin Sainte Anne La Baie des Anglais Le Vauclin Le François
The very first inhabitants of the island were the Saladoïde Indians who arrived about 180 A.D. from South America. They were chased out by the Arawaks, peaceful fishermen who came from the surroundings of the Orenoque about 300 A.D. As elsewhere in the area, they were in turn invaded by the terrible Carib Indians, fierce fighters from the Amazon region who were want to devour their enemies while keeping their women at their service. That explains that Christopher Columbus discovered a people who spoke two different languages depending on whether they were men or women. In the Carib language, the island he had discovered in 1502 on his fourth voyage was called "Madinina", meaning "Flower Island".

The French colonized the island in 1635. Well administered and very fertile, it became the richest French possession in the Antilles, thanks to the sugar cane. After a short occupation by the British between 1794 and 1802, the French abolished salvery in 1848, setting free more than 72,000 slaves of african origin. In 1946,  Martinique became a French department.

Geography

The volcanic island has three distinct areas:

  • the montainous north with hills such the Mont Pelée - 1,397 meters -, and sheer cliffs and beautiful forests;
  • the central part, which is a vast plain (such as Lamentin) spotted with small hills;
  • the south, with its "mornes", sharply rising hills with flat summits, its beautiful bays and white sandy beaches.

Status

The island is part of the French territory. Since 19 March 1946 it is an Overseas Department of France. The capital is Paris and Fort-de-France is the main town.

Languages

French is the official language and french patois, "Créole", is widely spoken.

Currency

Euro €, credit card accepted and ATCs everywhere.

Population: 414,000

Web sites

www.martiniquetourisme.com
 
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