FRANCE

The presence of France in the Caribbean includes several territories, some of which are fully integrated into France as overseas departments and regions, while others have a more autonomous status. These territories, like those of other European nations in the Caribbean, rely heavily on tourism, agriculture, and services. Unlike the territories of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the French Caribbean territories are administratively considered part of the European Union, with EU laws applying in these regions.

Guadeloupe

Location: Eastern Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico.

Capital: Basse-Terre (administrative capital); Pointe-à-Pitre is the largest city and economic center.

Politics: Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France. It is fully integrated into France and the European Union, with representation in the French National Assembly and Senate. It follows French law and uses the euro as its currency.

Economy: The economy is based on tourism, agriculture (mainly sugar cane, bananas, and rum production), and services. It also depends on imports from mainland France and has a high dependency on subsidies from the French government.

Martinique

Location: Eastern Caribbean, south of Dominica and north of Saint Lucia.

Capital: Fort-de-France.

Politics: Like Guadeloupe, Martinique is an overseas department and region of France, fully integrated into the French political and administrative system. It is part of the European Union and follows French laws.

Economy: Martinique’s economy is similar to that of Guadeloupe, with a strong reliance on tourism, agriculture (bananas and sugar cane), and services. It is supported by funds from the French government and imports most of its goods from France.

Saint Barthélemy

Location: Eastern Caribbean, near Saint Martin.

Capital: Gustavia.

Politics: Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barth, is a French overseas collectivity. It has greater autonomy compared to the overseas departments but remains under French sovereignty. It is outside the European Union but retains a strong relationship with France.

Economy: Saint Barthélemy is famous for its luxury tourism and high-end real estate. The island attracts wealthy tourists, particularly from Europe and North America. There is a small agricultural sector, but the economy revolves mainly around tourism and services.

Saint Martin

Location: Northern Caribbean, sharing the island with Sint Maarten (Dutch territory).

Capital: Marigot.

Politics: Saint Martin is a French overseas collectivity, with autonomy similar to that of Saint Barthélemy. It governs itself in most internal matters but remains under French sovereignty. Like Saint Barthélemy, it is outside the European Union but maintains strong ties with France.

Economy: The economy of Saint Martin relies heavily on tourism, trade, and real estate development. Duty-free shopping and cruise tourism are significant economic drivers. It shares an open border with Sint Maarten, allowing free movement between the French and Dutch sides.