Martinique

Christopher Columbus first sighted this gorgeous island in 1502, when the fierce Caraibes, who terrorized the peace-loving Arawaks, inhabited it. Martinique is a slice of France set down in the tropics. Scattered ruins and other historical monuments echo the affluence of Martinique's sugarcane plantations, of rum and the legacy of slavery. Today the wealthy planters are gone, but some things haven't changed so much. The island's economy depends on bananas, pineapples, cane sugar, rum, fishing, and tourism. Martinicans enjoy their time off, celebrating everything from the weekend to Indian feast days, sailboat races, carnival, and even All Saints' Day.

Visitors won't be able to escape zouk, the lively, two-beat local music similar to meringue but unique to the French West Indies. Martinicans are very proud of it and it can be heard everywhere. Other than fine wines, Martinicans are obsessed with the sweet, syrupy rums produced by the island's 11 rum distilleries. These distilleries make some of the world's best-fermented sugarcane liquor.

Understanding The Geography

Martinique is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is an overseas department of France. Martinique is also one of the 26 regions of France, and an integral part of the Republic.

Understanding The Culture

As an overseas department of France, Martinique's culture is a blend of French and Caribbean influences. Its former capital, Saint-Pierre (destroyed by a volcanic eruption), was often referred to as the Paris of the Lesser Antilles.

Following French custom, many businesses close at midday, and then reopen later in the afternoon.

The official language is French, although many Martinicans speak Antillean Creole. Based in French, Martinique's Creole also incorporates elements of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and African languages.