Martinique Country Report

Located on the eastern flank of the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is one of 24 island states that comprise the Lesser Antilles. Since 1946, the island has been recognized as a French overseas region and, as such, is considered an Outermost Region (OMR) of the European Union. The official language is French, though virtually all residents also speak Martinican Creole. As in many Caribbean states, the economy is largely reliant on tourism and agricultural exports, and much of the labor force is employed in the services sector.

Given Martinique's economic dependence on tourism, security is a primary concern for the local government. Travelers to Martinique are generally unaffected by crime, save for petty theft around popular tourist locales. Civil unrest in the form of strikes and disruptive protests do occur, often driven by labor disputes and the high unemployment rate.

Environmental hazards impact the island on occasion, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, when storm systems can generate torrential rainfall and cause significant infrastructural damage. Earthquakes also regularly strike Martinique, though most are minor-to-moderate quakes. Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, such as the Zika virus and dengue fever, periodically occur on the island. Medical care in Martinique is considered among the best in the Caribbean; hospitals and clinics across the island are well-equipped and pharmacies are widely available.

Petty crime is the primary concern facing travelers to Martinique, particularly in and around the capital Fort-de-France and areas frequented by tourists. Though violent incidents can and do occur, such crimes do not tend to involve foreigners or expatriates. There is no history of terrorism on the island, and the risk of internal or external conflict is low. Labor disputes and economic grievances often lead to disruptive industrial action and consequent unrest.

Air travel to and from Martinique is considered safe. The island's road network is highly developed, though conditions may vary outside Fort-de-France. Utilities on the island are generally reliable, but ongoing drought conditions have significantly affected the water supply.

Martinique has a tropical, humid climate year-round with generally warm temperatures. Manmade hazards do not pose a significant risk to travelers and expatriates, though pesticide contamination of agricultural soil has posed health concerns for local residents. Martinique lies within an active seismic zone. Earthquakes are typically low in magnitude; however, moderate-to-severe earthquakes have occurred and cannot be ruled out. Though hurricanes and tropical storms do not typically make direct landfall on Martinique, regional storm systems can bring torrential rainfall and consequent flooding to the island. The Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November, peaking in August and September.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever are present in Martinique, and localized outbreaks periodically occur. Medical facilities are widely available on the island and health care is considered to be excellent by Caribbean standards. Pharmacies are readily accessible in Martinique. Tap water is considered safe for consumption, though bottled water may be preferable to mitigate against potential bacterial infections.

Martinique is a politically stable territory with low levels of corruption. The rule of law is generally upheld, and police are effective at maintaining safety and security.