Current geographic and practical information for Martinique. Old figures for population, tourism, unemployment and transport have been removed or replaced with current information.
MartiniqueFrance
Martinique
General
Status
Martinique is an overseas department and region of France. Since 2016, the Collectivité Territoriale de Martinique exercises the powers of both the former departmental and regional councils.
Capital
Fort-de-France.
Population
About 358,800 residents, estimated for 1 January 2026.
Languages
French is the official language. Martinican Creole is widely spoken.
Currency
Euro (EUR).
Telephone
+596.
Time
Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-4 throughout the year. Martinique does not observe daylight-saving time.
Geography and Climate
Area
1,128 sq km.
Location
Lesser Antilles, between Dominica to the north and Saint Lucia to the south.
Highest point
Mount Pelée, 1,397 m.
Landscape
Mountainous and volcanic in the north, lower and generally drier toward the south, with rainforest, agricultural land, mangroves and varied beaches.
Climate
Tropical maritime climate moderated by trade winds. The wetter season generally runs from roughly June to November, although rainfall varies strongly with altitude and location.
Hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June through November.
Entry and Practical Travel
European travellers
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can enter with a valid national identity card or passport.
Other nationalities
Requirements depend on nationality. Martinique is part of France but lies outside the Schengen Area, and a Schengen visa alone does not automatically permit entry when a specific overseas-territory visa is required.
Driving
Traffic drives on the right. French and other recognised driving licences are accepted for visitors.
Electricity
Generally 220-230 V, 50 Hz, using French/European-style Type E plugs.
Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Air Transport
Airport
Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF).
Location
Le Lamentin, about 9 km from Fort-de-France.
Services
The airport handles domestic French, transatlantic and regional Caribbean traffic. Routes change seasonally.
Land and Water Transport
Rental car
The most flexible way to explore the island, particularly the beaches, Mount Pelée and the northern interior.
Public transport
Urban buses serve the Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin area, while other bus and shared-taxi services operate across the island with varying frequency.
Bay ferries
Regular passenger boats connect Fort-de-France with Trois-Îlets, Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan and Anse à l'Âne.
Inter-island ferries
Passenger ferry services connect Martinique with Dominica, Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia. Schedules vary by day and season.
Travel Character
Best for
Beaches, French-Creole food, hiking, rum distilleries, sailing, history and multi-island trips.
North
Greener, wetter and more mountainous, with Mount Pelée, rainforest, waterfalls and volcanic beaches.
South
Drier and more beach-oriented, with resort areas, marinas and many white or golden sand beaches.
UNESCO
Mount Pelée and the Pitons of northern Martinique have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2023.
Important: The old page contained population data from 2007, tourism figures from 2009, an obsolete airport name, old telephone-card information and several fixed economic figures that no longer belonged on a current travel page.
