Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Guadeloupe was colonised by France in 1635 and is now an overseas region and department of France. Slavery was finally abolished in 1848.
Culture
Gwoka drumming is listed by UNESCO, and zouk music was popularised by Guadeloupean and Martinican bands. Carnival runs for weeks before Lent.
Languages & Creoles
French is the official language. Guadeloupean Creole is spoken daily.
Currency
The euro (EUR).
Popular Attractions
The butterfly-shaped main island has the La Soufrière volcano, the Guadeloupe National Park and many waterfalls. Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade offer quiet island escapes.
Food
Colombo curry, accras (fritters), bokit sandwiches and fresh seafood are favourites. Ti' punch made with agricultural rum is the local drink.
Places to Visit
Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Deshaies, Sainte-Anne, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres