General Island name: Martinique (MB).  Country name: France (Overseas Department).  Nationality: Martiniquais (singular and plural). Languages: French is the official language is; Creole patois is widely used. Island Capital: Fort-de-France.  Population: 401,000 (2007 est.).  Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid. Weather today: click here for yahoo! weather forecast.

Geography

Coastline:  350 km. 

Forests and woodland: 44%.

Geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W. 

Highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m. 

Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Size: 61 km x 24 km, 1100 sq km (land: 1,060 sq km). 

Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano.
 

Tourist Information

Overview: Martinique is an overseas region of France, a part of Europe, and an island with French flair. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. Martinique is largely of volcanic origin and essentially mountainous. Mount Pelée, about 1,463 m (4,800 ft) above sea level, erupted in 1902, destroying Saint-Pierre, which was once the largest city on the island. Martiniquans couldn't survive on their own. France has contributed as much as 70% of the island's gross national product. Yet the unemployment rate has been among the Caribbean's highest.

Accommodations: There is a good selection of hotels and resorts on Martinique. Gîtes (furnished apartments or bungalows) are widely available. Martinique is one of the relatively few islands where camping not only is permitted but encouraged. Visitors can pitch a tent almost anywhere in Martinique: mountains, forests and most beaches. 

Activities: hiking (climb up the volcanic peak of Mount Pelee), swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, golf, tennis.

Average tourist arrivals: Average tourist arrivals: 443,202 (2009).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins.

Entry Requirements: Nationals of the member countries of the European Union just need an ID card (we are indeed in Europe, although not being "within" the Schengen bounderies). For North American citizens, a valid passport, as well as a return ticket are compulsory. The citizens of some other countries (notably some Caribbean islands) should have a visa. 

Post: Letters take about a week to reach Europe. Post offices are open 0700-1800 Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings.

Press: Newspapers are in French and vary in their political bias. The main daily is France Antilles.

Telephone system: domestic facilities are adequate; microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and St. Lucia; satellite earth stations, 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean).
IDD is available. Country code: 596. Outgoing international code: 19. There are both payphones and card phones on the island. Télécartes (phonecards) are sold at post offices, newsagents and kiosks. There are only card phones at the airport.

Time: 1 hour ahead of Standard US Time and 5 hours ahead of Standard European Time. 
 

Money

Currency: Since January 01, 2002, the Euro ((EUR), €) has come into effect in the European Union and also Martinique. 

Credit cards: major credit cards are widely accepted; Europeans can use their Eurocard. 

Costs for living: Budget travelers should expect to spend at least US$ 80.00 a day on Martinique. Food is cheaper than on the most other Caribbean islands but accommodation costs are higher. There are no low budget accommodations. 

Tipping: Most places already include their service charges on the final bill. he majority of restaurants include a 15 percent service charge on all bills, and hotels on the island generally add 10 percent on the final bill. But if you're feeling extra generous and your service was outstanding, you can always tip a little more. Taxi drivers may expect a tip, especially for longer trips.
 

Air Transport

Airport: Aéroport du Lamentin. Lamentin Airport is located 10 km (6 mi) outside of Fort-de-France. There is an Office Départemental du Tourism and a currency exchange booth at the airport.

Departure Tax: There is no airport departure tax when leaving Martinique. .

Flight Times: The flight from Martinique to Paris takes approximately 8 hours; to Los Angeles 9 hours; to New York 6 hours, to Singapore 25 hours; to London via Paris 12 hours. 
 

Water Transport

Ports and harbors: Fort-de-France, La Trinite. 
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%. 

Legal system: French legal system. 

Literacy:  93% of the total population (male: 92%, female: 93%). 

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%. 
 

Economy

Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism. 

Agriculture products: pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane.

Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land. 

GDP per capita: US$ 23,931 (2006 est.). 

Unemployment rate: 23 % (2004).
 

Radio frequencies
 

BBC World Service MHz 17.84 15.22 6.195 5.975

Voice of America: MHz 15.30 9.775 6.130 5.995