QUICK FACTS

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  1. Columbus first discovered Martinique in 1493, but did not land there until 1502.
  2. Columbus named the island Martinique, but it was also known as “Jouanacaera,” the island of iguanas.
  3. First inhabitants of the island were the Arawaks, followed by the Caribs and then the Tainos.
  4. The island is located in the Lesser Antilles between Dominica and St. Lucia.
  5. Martinique was claimed by France in 1635, but France and Britain fought over it until 1815.
  6. Martinique is considered an overseas Department but also a Region of France.
  7. Slavery was abolished in 1848.
  8. The island is 425 square miles (50 miles long and 22 miles wide) which is just a little smaller than New York City.
  9. The capital city is Fort-de-France.
  10. Currency is the Euro.
  11. The two main languages spoken on the island are: French and Creole.
  12. Martinique has more than 400,000 residents.
  13. The average temperature is about 79 degrees year round.
  14. It is the birth place of famous poet Aimé Cesaire and Empress Josephine.
  15. Industries on the island include sugar cane, avocados, vegetables, bananas, pineapples, rum oil refining, and tourism.
  16. Martinique exports oil, bananas, rum, and pineapples.
  17. Martinique is the rum capital of the world and is home to 12 different brands of rum.
  18. The island has a 97% literacy rate.
  19. The dance style Zouk originated in Martinique.
  20. The highest point on the island is the volcano Mt. Pelee which last erupted in 1902.
  21. Residents of Martinique are referred to as Martiniquais.