Prior to the discovery of Martinique by Columbus in 1493, the area was inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians. There was no real European interest in the island until French colonies were established in 1635. Though the British made brief attempts to occupy the island during the 18th and 19th centuries, it has remained under French control ever since (along with Guadeloupe). Slavery was abolished in 1848 and, in the late 19th century, tens of thousands of immigrant workers arrived from India to replace the slave workforce on the plantations. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe were administered as parts
of French Antilles. In 1946, rather than following a path to independence, the two islands were incorporated into the French nation with the status of Overseas Departments.
There was little political evolution until 1974 when Martinique, along with Guadeloupe and French Guiana, was granted some local political and economic autonomy. This was increased in 1982 and 1983 following a package of decentralization policies introduced by French President Mitterand. Most affairs, with the major exceptions of defense and security, are now generally under local control. The thrust of French government policy in the region is now to bolster links between its remaining possessions, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and other French Caribbean nations.
Four parties dominate the political scene in Martinique: the
Gaullist RPR-UDF (allied to the French party of the same name), the
Parti Communiste Martiniquais and two island-based nationalist parties, the
Parti Progressiste Martiniquais (PPM) and the
Mouvement Indépendantiste Martiniquais (MIM, which now operates under the moniker
Patriotes Martiniquais). Martinique’s political center of gravity is generally, but not always, to the left of the French mainstream. The PPM controls the Conseil Générale (elected into office in 2000), while the RPR is the majority party in the Conseil Regional (1998).
GovernmentThe Prefect on Martinique represents France, and the island sends four representatives to the French National Assembly and two to the Senate. The 45-seat General Council and the 41-seat Regional Council administer the island’s local affairs; both are elected every six years.
EconomyIn the agricultural sector, sugar cane and bananas are the main cash crops; a range of fruit is also grown for domestic consumption and export. Cut flowers have also become an important export earner. The processing of agricultural goods and refining of imported oil (which is also the main source of energy) are the island’s main industries.
The most important part of the economy is tourism, both as a major employer and a vital source of foreign exchange – worth some US$400 million a year to the economy. Martinique also enjoys substantial material benefits from being an integral part of the French nation, receiving financial support both from Paris and the EU. France accounts for more than 75% of Martinique’s foreign trade, with the remainder of the import market captured by the major EU economies and the USA.
Next Page »
