Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Martinique has been French since 1635 and is now an overseas department and region of France. The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre.
Culture
Martinique is the birthplace of the poet Aimé Césaire, a founder of the Négritude movement. Biguine and zouk music and the Tour des Yoles boat race are local passions.
Languages & Creoles
French is the official language. Martinican Creole is spoken daily.
Currency
The euro (EUR).
Popular Attractions
Mount Pelée, the beaches of Les Salines and the ruins of Saint-Pierre are highlights. The island is also known for its AOC agricultural rum distilleries.
Food
Accras, colombo, blaff (fish poached in a spicy broth) and court-bouillon are classics. Ti' punch is the local aperitif.
Places to Visit
Fort-de-France, Saint-Pierre, Les Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne, Diamond Rock and the Route des Rhums.
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