Martinique is a small island territory in the eastern Caribbean. The island, which covers 1,128 sq km (435.5 sq mi), is an overseas region of France. Martinique is between Dominica to the north and St Lucia to the south. It has a population of about 400,000 (2011 estimate). Its capital and main city is Fort-de-France.
Martinique is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). As it is regarded as being part of France, it follows all French laws, is part of the European Union, and uses Euro as the official currency. The island had a 2008 estimated nominal GDP of €7.9 billion and a per capita GDP of €19,607.
The island of Martinique was inhabited by the Arawak Indians. Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1502. It was first claimed by France in 1635, and despite several attempts by the British to take the island, it has remained a French territory until today. The island became an overseas department of France in 1946.
View of Mount Pelée from Carbet, Martinique Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Pel%C3%A9e_vue_du_Carbet.jpg Author: Jurassi
Bay of Salines, Martinique Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Martinique_Beach_%28Salines%29.jpg Author: Barbacha|Nicolas BOUTHORS
Planning your visit to Martinique
Being part of France, Martinique is therefore part of the Schengen Area. You can fly to it from Europe and the Americas. Among the airlines flying to Martinique include Air France, American Airlines, Avior Airlines and Air Caraïbes.
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