Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands, including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the Îles des Saintes, in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Guadeloupe's two main islands are Basse-Terre, the westernmost island, which features a rugged volcanic landscape, and Grande-Terre, the easternmost island, home to long, sandy beaches and the capital, Pointe-à-Pitre. The islands of Guadeloupe were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and they were settled by the French in 1635. The archipelago became an overseas department of France in 1946. Guadeloupe is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation. The islands are also a popular stop for cruise ships. Basse-Terre is home to the Guadeloupe National Park, which covers about half of the island and features hiking trails, waterfalls, and a volcanic crater lake. The economy of Guadeloupe is based on tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing. The main agricultural products are sugarcane, bananas, coffee, and cocoa. Guadeloupe is also known for its rum production. Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France, and as such it is part of the European Union. The official language is French, but Creole and English are also widely spoken.