Martinique

Martinique is an island in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, with a land area of 1,128 square kilometres (436 sq mi) and a population of 376,480 inhabitants as of January 2019. It is a French overseas region and an integral part of the Republic. The island has been inhabited since before 4000 BC. The first people to settle on the island were the Arawak and Carib peoples. Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 and named it after Saint Martin of Tours, the patron saint of explorers. French colonisation began in 1635, and the island was renamed Martinique. Under French rule, the island was a prosperous colony and a popular tourist destination. It was also a frequent target of hurricanes, and in 1902 the island was devastated by the eruption of Mount Pelée. In the 1940s, Martinique was an important base for the Free French forces during the Second World War. Today, Martinique is a popular tourist destination, with white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant culture. The island is also home to the rum producer Rhum Barbancourt, and is a popular gateway to the Caribbean for French travellers.