|
|
Martinique
|
Directory Information
|
There is no information on National Library of Martinique at present time.
Location: Caribbean
Status: Territory
Capital City: Fort-de-France
Population: 374,000 Area [sq.km]: 1,100
Languages: French
Many centuries ago, the Carib Indians called this
magical isle Madinina" (Island of Flowers). Today,
Martinique is still one of the world's most beautiful
destinations. Its 425 square miles make Martinique the
second largest island of the French West Indies and
include incomparable gardens, towering rain forests,
sensational beaches, delightful villages and
fascinating historical sites.
The island's terrain is
marked by hills, plateaus and mountains, while its
irregular coastline is cut by coves and deep bays.
Martinique's main resort areas are on the southwest
coast, from Pointe du Bout to Sainte-Anne. Upon his
arrival in Martinique in 1502, Christopher Columbus
said, "This land is the best, the most fertile, the
most gentle, and the most charming in the world. It is
the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My eyes
never tire of seeing such greenery." The warm
hospitality of the people and the delicious French and
Créole cuisine add to the enchantment.
Martinique became an Overseas Department of France in
1946, a status identical to the departments of
metropolitan France. In 1974, it was given the further
status of Region. A Prefect is appointed by the French
Minister of the Interior. The electorate sends four
Deputies and two Senators to the French Parliament. A
legislative body, the Conseil Général, is elected by
the citizens of Martinique and has 45 representatives.
The Conseil Regional, also elected by the citizens of
Martinique, has 41 members. Each town has its own
mayor.
Columbus sighted Martinique in 1493, but did not go
ashore until another voyage in 1502. At that time, the
island was inhabited by the Carib Indians who had
already exterminated the Arawaks. Columbus named the
island Martinica in honor of St. Martin. The French
arrived to claim the island and begin permanent
settlement there in 1635. They began to cultivate sugar
cane and import slaves from Africa. As forests were
cleared to make room for sugar plantations, fierce
battles with the Carib Indians ensued. With the treaty
of 1660, the Caribs agreed to occupy only the Atlantic
side of Martinique.
This peace was short-lived,
however, and they were exterminated or forced off the
island shortly thereafter. In 1762, the English
occupied the island, but returned it the following year
in exchange for Canada. They invaded and held the
island once again from 1794 to 1815, when it was
returned to the French. In 1848, Victor Schoelcher, a
French minister for overseas possessions, convinced the
government to sign an Emancipation Proclamation ending
slavery in the French West Indies. On March 8, 1902,
came the most devastating natural disaster in Caribbean
history; the Mont Pelée volcano erupted, destroying the
city of St. Pierre and claiming the lives of all but
one of its 30,000 inhabitants. As a result, the capital
was permanently moved to Fort-de-France.
Sources:
|