Martinique is a tiny island located in the eastern Caribbean. It's bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south and west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east. Martinique is a slice of France set down in the tropics. Islanders wear Paris fashions and eat croissants. Urbanization has spread much of the island, and most of Martinique's large towns feel like modern suburbs. Nevertheless, nearly a third of Martinique is forested and other areas are given over to
pineapples, bananas and sugar cane fields.

Area: 1,080 sq km

Population: 414,516

Capital: Fort-de-France

People: African descent (90%) French (5%), plus Indian, Syrian & Lebanese

Language: French, English

Religion: Roman Catholic (90%), Seventh Day Adventist, Hindu and Jewish

Government: Overseas Department of France

GDP: US$6.1 billion

Major Industries: Construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, bananas, and tourism.

Major Trading Partners: France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, UK, and Italy.