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Martinique Island, considered one of the world's most beautiful holiday destinations, is an overseas territorial region of France in the Caribbean. Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is north of Trinidad and Tobago and belongs to the Lesser Antilles island group.
First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Martinique gained French influence when the French established a colony with 150 people on September 15, 1635. Despite passing into British hands a few times in the 18th and 19th centuries, Martinique has been linked to France since 1816. Comprising 4 regions and 23 cities, including Fort-de-France, La Trinite, Le Marin, and Saint-Pierre, Martinique is often referred to as the "Paris of the Caribbean." Fort-de-France, the largest city and capital, is a significant hub for tourism.
Other important cities include Lamentin, Schoelcher, La Trinite, Le Carbet, Le Diamant, Le Marin, Morne Rouge, Sainte-Anne, Saint-Pierre, and Trois-Ilets. With a population of approximately 433,000, 90% of the native population consists of Afro-Caribbeans and whites, while the remaining portion includes Amerindians, Hindus, and African pagans.
French, the official language, is widely spoken alongside Martinican Creole. The euro is the currency used due to French governance. While only 20% of Martinique's land is suitable for agriculture, the economy relies primarily on the industrial and tourism sectors. Key exports include sugar cane, bananas, tourism, and light industry, with France being the major trade partner.
Agriculture and light industry contribute 6% and 11%, respectively, to the economy. Meat, vegetables, and cereals dominate exports. Major industries include construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, and tourism. Notable agricultural products include pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, and sugar cane.
Martinique experiences a tropical climate with occasional natural disasters due to its coastal and volcanic terrain. There are two main seasons: a rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. The average annual temperature ranges from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius.
The Vaval festival in February, featuring traditional dances and music, resembles a carnival. Bastille Day on July 14 is a national holiday. "Le Tour de Martinique," similar to the Tour de France, takes place in July. The largest boat event, "Tour de Yoles Rondes," occurs in August. Other popular festivals include Beaujolais Nouveau Celebrations in November, Martinique Jazz Festival at the end of November, and Sainte Marie Gastronomy Week, featuring cultural events such as film, theater, concerts, dances, and food tastings.
Martinique's traditional cuisine, influenced by French, African, South Asian, and Caribbean flavors, features meat and vegetable dishes. "Coconut shrimps," fried in coconut oil, are a popular choice. Seafood, lobster, and shrimp are common in Martinican restaurants. Piment antillois, known for its intense spiciness, is used in most Martinican dishes. Notable specialties include Colombo de Martinique (coconut milk-marinated lamb), Ti Punch (a local drink), Lambis (served with tomatoes, hot pepper sauce, and salt), and Accra (a mix of various vegetables and spices).