| Christopher Columbus described Martinique
as "the most beautiful country in the world." It lies in the middle of
the Caribbean Windward Islands but has retained remarkably close links
both culturally and economically to mainland France. The island is dominated
by the Montagne Pelée volcano, which violently erupted and engulfed
the old capital, St. Pierre in 1902. Situated in the Caribbean's hurricane
belt, Martinique suffers an average of one natural disaster every five
years.
Its long association with France and its status as an overseas départment
have left Martinique with a distinctly French feel; nonetheless nearly
90% of the population are of African or mixed ethnicity, and this influence
has created a vibrant Caribbean tradition, particularly in music. Some
of Martinique's more famous children include Joséphine Bonaparte
(Napoleon's first wife) and Frantz Fanon, the black revolutionary who
influenced anti-colonial movements in the 20th century.
Economic power remains in the hands of the Bekes (descendants
of white colonial settlers), who own most of the agricultural land.
This situation has led in the past to outbreaks of violence and calls
for greater autonomy. However, high living standards depend on French
subsidies and a French-style social welfare system. The traditionally
agricultural economy, based on the cultivation of sugarcane and bananas,
has been forced to diversify as EU subsidy cuts come into effect, and
high-class tourism is now the biggest source of income and the largest
provider of employment. Almost 80% of the half-million annual visitors
come from France. Unemployment and emigration have been high since the
late 1980s, with the result that over 30% of Martiniquais nationals
are resident in metropolitan France.
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