10 Things you probably didn’t know about Martinique but should
Martinique is an island that makes overseas French territory along with the likes of Guadeloupe. It is located in the Lesser Antilles, on the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea. It is home to 386,486 people and has a surface area of 436 square miles. The following are some of the facts you need to know about the island before heading there on vacation.
- It is one of the windward islands of the Lesser Antilles.
- Being part of France, its official language is French although Antillean Creole is widely spoken too.
- Before the island was named Martinique by Christopher Columbus in 15th June 1502, the island was known as Jouanacaëra-Matinino, a name that comes from the Tainos of Hispaniola to mean 'mythical island'.
- The initial dwellers of the island were the Arawaks, hen the Carib and finally the Taino who were found there by Christopher Columbus in 1502.
- The Island came under British rules twice, the first time during the Seven Years War and the second time during the Napoleonic wars.
- The highest point on the island is Mont Pelée at 1,397 meters above the sea level.
- Navigation of ships along Martinique coast is difficult doe to the Peninsula of Caravelle that separates the North Atlantic and South Atlantic.
- Popular attractions in the island include; the tropical forest near Fond St-Denis, Les Salines beach, the rich flora and fauna diversity among others.
- There are several flights from Europe, North America and Caribbean that land in the Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport. This is your entry point to the island.
- The most popular dish in the country is Colombo (unique curry chicken) with spiced masala of Tamil origins.
Have fun.
by Kennedy Runo on 12/17/2014 in Before your trip