Which Two Caribbean Countries Are Still Owned by France?
Guadeloupe and Martinique are the two primary Caribbean territories that remain integral parts of France. While often colloquially referred to as "countries" due to their distinct geographic and cultural identities, they are officially classified as French overseas departments and regions, making them fully fledged components of the French Republic.
French Overseas Departments and Regions
These territories are not independent nations but rather overseas departments and regions (DROM) of France. This means they are subject to French law and governance, use the euro as currency, and their citizens hold full French citizenship. Their status grants them a high degree of integration into the European Union.
- Guadeloupe: Located in the Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe is an archipelago encompassing a main butterfly-shaped island (composed of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre) along with smaller islands such as Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes. It is characterized by its lush volcanic landscapes and vibrant Creole culture.
- Martinique: Situated in the Lesser Antilles, Martinique is renowned for its diverse scenery, ranging from the volcanic peaks of Mont Pelée to its stunning coastal areas. Similar to Guadeloupe, it boasts a rich history and a unique blend of French and Caribbean influences.
Other French Caribbean Territories
Beyond the official overseas departments, France also maintains sovereignty over other Caribbean territories with different administrative statuses, collectively contributing to what is often known as the French West Indies.
- Saint Martin (French side): The northern part of the island of Saint Martin transitioned from being attached to the department of Guadeloupe to an overseas collectivity (collectivité d'outre-mer or COM) in 2007. This status grants it greater autonomy over local affairs while remaining French territory.
- Saint Barthélemy: Often called St. Barts, Saint Barthélemy also became an overseas collectivity in 2007, having previously been part of Guadeloupe. It is known for its upscale tourism and pristine beaches.
These territories highlight the diverse forms of French presence and administration in the Caribbean, ranging from fully integrated departments to more autonomous collectivities.
Overview of French Caribbean Territories
To provide a clear understanding of France's presence in the Caribbean, here's a summary of these territories and their official statuses:
| Territory Name | Official Status | Location in Caribbean | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadeloupe | Overseas Department & Region | Leeward Islands | Integral part of France; uses the Euro; citizens are French. |
| Martinique | Overseas Department & Region | Lesser Antilles | Integral part of France; uses the Euro; citizens are French. |
| Saint Martin | Overseas Collectivity | Northern half of Saint Martin island | Formerly attached to Guadeloupe; greater autonomy since 2007. |
| Saint Barthélemy | Overseas Collectivity | Lesser Antilles (north of Saint Kitts) | Formerly attached to Guadeloupe; greater autonomy since 2007. |
