Guadeloupe : French Overseas Department in the Caribbean Sea

Guadeloupe was first sighted by Christopher Columbus in the year 1493. It was then ruled by the Spaniards for a short period of time until 1604. In the year 1635, it came under the French control who forcibly ousted the local Caribs and transported the Africans and made them work as slaves on the plantation grounds. The British also tried to colonize Guadeloupe however it remained a French colony and in the year 1946, it became its overseas department and the center of administration in 1974.

Guadeloupe Fast Facts:

· National Name: Department of Guadeloupe
· National Capital: Basse-Terre
· Total Area: 1,705 sq km (658 sq miles)
· Total Population: 445,000 (via UN, 2006)
· Ethnic races: black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%
· Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant 1%
· Currency: Euro
· GDP per capita (PPP): $9,000 (1997 est.)
· Languages: French (official) 99%, Creole patois
· Life expectancy: 75 years (men); 82 years (women) (UN)
· Literacy Rate: 90%

Guadeloupe Geography, Climate and Economy:
The Terrain of Guadeloupe varies according to its regions. Basse-Terre the capital of the islands has volcanic terrain with the central part comprising of mountainous ranges. While, the west wing called Grande-Terre is featured with low lying and flat plains of limestone. And the other seven islands are also of volcanic origin.

The climate of Guadeloupe is relatively subtropical having high humid temperature. The trade winds (Les Alizés) blowing from the northeast throughout the year bring along refreshing breezes, which moderates the temperature of the islands. From the months of December to May there is a dry season, while from June to November there is a humid season.

Guadeloupe’s economy largely depends on agriculture along with tourism, light industry and its dependence on France for a number of subsidies and imports. The economy is based on tourism considerably as the islands comprise of beaches and the temperate climate is favorable for the tourists.

Culture and Cuisine of Guadeloupe:
Guadeloupe is a melting pot of the French, African, East Indian and West Indian cultural influences. This is evident through the architectural designs of their buildings, which includes the designs dating back from the French colonial period to the Indian imprint of Hindu temples. Art and handicrafts largely express Guadeloupe’s culture including the local music and cuisine.

The main dish of the islands comprises of fresh seafood along with a variety of meats like clams, lobsters, crabs, and fish. The Creole flavor is added to it and served with fresh vegetables. There are a variety of exotic fresh fruits like papaya and coconut. Besides this, the people of Guadeloupe consume Champagne, which has a close resemblance to the French variety.

Tourist Sites in Guadeloupe:
Guadeloupe comprises of beautiful beaches like Feuillere and Capesterre providing picturesque scenery and the cascading waterfalls in the islands that enthralls the onlookers. Besides this, Pointe-a-Pitre comprises of the island’s colonial architecture. Terre-de Haut is yet another beautiful island having mesmerizing landscapes of volcanic hills and deep bays.

Some Other Tourist Sites are:

· Bourg des Saintes - Fort Napoléon
· Capesterre - Trou à Diable
· Grand-Bourg - Habitation Murat
· Le Moule
· Les Saintes / Iles des Saintes
· Marie-Galante Island
· Parc Naturel - Trace Victor Hughes
· Parc Naturel - la Soufrière volcano
· Pointe-Noire - Anse de la Barque
· Pointe-à-Pitre

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