Martinique is an island in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with a land area of 1,128 km . Like Guadeloupe, it is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department. To the northwest lies Dominica, to the south St Lucia, and to the southeast Barbados. As with the other overseas departments, Martinique is one of the twenty-seven regions of France and an integral part of the Republic. The first European to encounter the island was Christopher Columbus in 1502. As part of France, Martinique is part of the European Union, and its currency is the Euro.... Its official language is French, although many of its inhabitants also speak Antillean Creole . The island was occupied first by Arawaks, then by Caribs. It was charted by Columbus in 1493, but Spain had little interest in the territory. It was claimed by France in 1635 and, despite several interludes of British occupation, once during the Seven Years' War and twice during the Napoleonic Wars, has remained a French possession.
more
| Capital: | Fort-de-France |
| Population: | 397,730 |
| Currency: | Euro |
| Form of government: | Unitary state, Semi-presidential system, Constitutional republic |
| Also known as: | La Martinique, Département De La Martinique, Departement De La Martinique |