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Martinique
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Capital: Fort-de-France
Population: 375,554
Brief History of Martinique:
Martinique is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is an overseas region of France. The original inhabitants of the island were the Native American Arawaks who were later driven out by the Caribs. The first European to arrive was Christopher Columbus in 1493. The island was claimed by France in 1635. Although the British took control a few times, Martinique has remained a French possession. In 1946 the island was made on overseas territory. The official language is French and the monetary unit is the Euro.
The Geography of Martinique
Total Size: 1,100 square km
Size Comparison: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC
Geographical Coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
World Region or Continent: Central America
General Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Geographical Low Point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Geographical High Point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m
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
Major cities:
The People of Martinique
Type of Government: NA
Languages Spoken: French, Creole patois
Independence: none (overseas department of France)
National Holiday: Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)
Nationality: Martiniquais (singular and plural)
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 10.5%, Muslim 0.5%, Hindu 0.5%, other 3.5% (1997)
National Symbol:
National Anthem or Song:
Economy of Martinique
Major Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Agricultural Products: pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane
Natural Resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
Major Exports: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples
Major Imports: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods
Currency: euro (EUR)
National GDP: $6,117,000,000
** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.
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