Martinique
| 1700 estimate |
1738 estimate |
1848 estimate |
1869 estimate |
1873 estimate |
1878 estimate |
1883 estimate |
1888 estimate |
1893 estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,000 | 74,000 | 120,400 | 152,925 | 157,805 | 162,861 | 167,119 | 175,863 | 189,599 |
| 1900 estimate |
1954 census |
1961 census |
1967 census |
1974 census |
1982 census |
1990 census |
1999 census |
2007 estimate |
| 203,781 | 239,130 | 292,062 | 320,030 | 324,832 | 328,566 | 359,572 | 381,427 | 401,000 |
| Official figures from past censuses and INSEE estimates. | ||||||||
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Culture
- See also: Music of Martinique and Guadeloupe
As an overseas département of France, Martinique's culture blends French and Caribbean influences. The city of Saint-Pierre (destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée), was often referred to as the Paris of the Lesser Antilles. Following traditional French custom, many businesses close at midday, then reopen later in the afternoon. The official language is French, although many Martinicans speak Martinican Creole, a subdivision of Antillean Creole virtually identical to the varieties spoken in neighbouring British-speaking islands of Saint Lucia and Dominica. Mostly based on French, Martinique's creole also incorporates a few elements of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and African languages. Originally passed down through oral storytelling traditions, it continues to be used more often in speech than in writing. Its use is predominant within friends and the family cell. Though it is normally not to be used in professional situations, it is being increasingly used in the media and by politicians as a way to redeem national identity and by fear from a complete cultural assimilation by mainland France.
Most of Martinique's population is descended from African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations during the colonial era, generally mixed with some French, Amerindian, Indian (Tamil), Lebanese or Chinese elements. Between 5 to 10% of the population is of Eastern Indian (Tamil) origin. The island also boasts a small Syro-Lebanese community, a small but increasing Chinese community, and the "Beke" community, White descendants from the first French and British settlers, which still dominate parts of the Agricultural and Trade sectors. The Beke people (which total around 5,000 people in the island, most of them of aristocratic origin) generally live in mansions on the Atlantic coast of the island (mostly in the François - Cap Est district). In addition to the island population, the island hosts a metropolitan French community, most of which lives on the island on a temporary basis (generally from 3 to 5 years).
There is an estimated 250.000 people of martinican origin living in mainland France, most of them in the Parisian region.
Today, the island enjoys a higher standard of living than most other Caribbean countries. The finest French products are easily available, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain. Studying in the métropole is common for young adults. For the rest of the French, Martinique has been a vacation hotspot for many years, attracting both upper-class and more budget-conscious travelers.
Martinique has a hybrid cuisine, mixing elements of French, African, and Asian traditions. One of its most famous dishes is the Colombo, a unique curry of chicken(curry chicken), meat or fish with vegetables, spiced with a distinctive masala of Bengali or Tamil origins, acidulated with tamarind and often containing wine, coconut milk, and rum. There is also a strong tradition of créole desserts and cakes, often employing pineapple, rum, and a wide range of local ingredients.
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Martinique in Popular Culture
- Martinique was the main setting of the 1944 film To Have and Have Not starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
- The island is mentioned in the song Uffington wassail by Half Man Half Biscuit.
- In the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows, the characters of Angelique Bouchard Collins,Josette du Pres, and her family are from Martinique.
- Martinique was also featured in the 1999 remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair," and in the movie "Sugar Cane Alley".
- It is also mentioned in the Beach Boys hit "Kokomo" with the line "To Martinique, that Montserrat mystique"
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Miscellaneous topics
- Economy of Martinique
- Flag of Martinique
- List of media outlets in Martinique
- Communications in Martinique
- Créole Patois
- Holidays in Martinique
- Military defense is the responsibility of France.
Military branches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air force), Gendarmerie - Transportation in Martinique
- Aimé Césaire
- Scouts de Martinique
- Frantz Fanon
- Édouard Glissant
- Créolité
- Négritude
- Ronny Turiaf
- Philémond-Montout Jimmy
- Patrick Chamoiseau
- Guy Deslaurier
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External links
- Martinique Tourism Authority - Official site
- Prefecture Région Martinique - Official site
- Regional Council of Martinique Official site
- Martinique travel guide from Wikitravel
- Martinique at Google Maps
- Simon Jean-Joseph - the European rally champion from Martinique
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References
- ^ a b c d (French) INSEE-CEROM. Les comptes économiques de la Martinique en 2006. Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ arawak
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