Martinique is a Caribbean island, located east of Puerto Rico. It has belonged to France since the 17th century and is today an overseas department. The French community of Martinique is therefore made up of the inhabitants of the island who have French nationality. In this article, we will focus on this community and its evolution over time.
The French community in Martinique: a general overview
The French community in Martinique represents about 92,000 people, or about 10% of the total population of the island. Among them, there are people born on the island, descendants of French immigrants, but also French people who have come to settle to work or to enjoy the living environment of the island. The French of Martinique are present in all sectors of the economic, social and cultural life of the island.
The French presence on the island: history and evolution
Martinique was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but it was not until the 17th century that France began to take an interest in the island. In 1635, Governor Richelieu sent an expedition to establish a colony there. Martinique thus becomes a French territory, which will then be joined by Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
During the following centuries, Martinique experienced several periods of prosperity, in particular thanks to the production of sugar. But it also suffered the effects of the slave trade and slavery, which had a profound impact on the history of the island. In 1946, Martinique became a French overseas department, which strengthened the links between the island and metropolitan France. Today, Martinique is a French territory in its own right, with a strong presence of French culture and language.
In short, the French community in Martinique reflects the history and evolution of the island. The French presence on the island goes back several centuries, and it has left deep traces in the Martinican culture and way of life. Today, the French of Martinique are an important element of the population of the island, testifying to the richness of the cultural and human diversity of this region of the Caribbean.
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