People and Society of Martinique

Nationality

Martiniquais (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Chinese less than 5%

Population

360,000

Relatively good medical care is available throughout the French West Indies. Not all doctors speak or understand English. Hyperbaric chambers are available in Guadeloupe at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Abymes and in Martinique at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Fort de France.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Martinique is notably high compared to many Caribbean nations and even rivals that of several Western European countries. The island's residents can expect to live, on average, into their early 80s, with overall life expectancy estimated at approximately 81 to 83 years. As is common globally, women in Martinique tend to outlive men by several years, with female life expectancy reaching approximately 85 years, while male life expectancy sits closer to 79 to 80 years. These strong figures are largely a reflection of Martinique's status as an overseas region and department of France. As such, the island benefits directly from the French national healthcare system, giving residents access to high-quality medical services, hospitals, preventive care, and social support programs that are funded in part by the French central government. This integration into the French public health infrastructure distinguishes Martinique from many of its independent Caribbean neighbors, where healthcare access can be more limited. The island's diet, historically rich in fresh fish, tropical fruits, and vegetables, has traditionally supported good cardiovascular health among the population, though modern dietary shifts have brought increasing concerns around obesity, diabetes, and hypertension — chronic conditions that public health officials continue to monitor closely. Despite these emerging challenges, overall health outcomes for Martinique's residents remain strong. Population aging is an important related trend. With high life expectancy and declining birth rates, Martinique has one of the older median populations in the Caribbean region. The island's population has been gradually declining, now estimated at around 360,000, partly due to emigration of younger residents to metropolitan France. This demographic shift places growing pressure on healthcare and pension systems and has contributed to ongoing discussions about sustainable social services on the island. Overall, the combination of French-standard medical infrastructure, a relatively high standard of living, and access to social welfare programs continues to support life expectancy figures that place Martinique among the healthiest populations in the wider Caribbean and Atlantic region.

Infant Mortality Rate

Martinique maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many other regions in the Caribbean and the broader Americas, reflecting the island's strong integration into the French national healthcare system. As an overseas region of France, Martinique benefits from the same public health infrastructure, medical standards, and social support programs available in metropolitan France. Recent estimates place Martinique's infant mortality rate at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that compares favorably with Caribbean neighbors and aligns more closely with Western European averages than with developing-world statistics. This relatively low rate is largely attributed to universal access to prenatal care, skilled attendance at birth, and postnatal follow-up programs supported by the French social security system. The island is served by modern hospitals and maternity wards, including the University Hospital Center of Martinique (CHUM) in Fort-de-France, which provides comprehensive obstetric and neonatal care. High rates of hospital-based deliveries mean that complications during childbirth are more likely to be identified and managed effectively, contributing to positive outcomes for both mothers and newborns. Despite these achievements, health authorities continue to monitor disparities that can arise from socioeconomic inequalities within the island's population. Factors such as poverty, access to transportation in more rural or mountainous areas, and varying levels of health literacy can still influence outcomes for certain segments of the population. Environmental concerns have also drawn attention in recent years. The widespread contamination of soil and water by chlordecone, a pesticide used heavily in banana farming until it was banned in 1993, has prompted ongoing research into its potential effects on reproductive health and child development, including possible links to preterm birth — a key risk factor in infant mortality. Overall, Martinique's infant health indicators reflect a system that has made substantial progress through sustained investment in public health, while ongoing vigilance remains necessary to address persistent inequalities and emerging environmental health challenges.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic85.0%
• Protestant11.0%
• Other2.0%
• Muslim1.0%
• Hindu1.0%

French, Creole patois

• Creole patois
• French

Crime Information

Petty street crime, including purse snatching, occurs throughout the French West Indies. On occasion, tourists are injured during the commission of these crimes. Visitors should take care whenever traveling to safeguard valuables and always lock hotel rooms and car doors. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the French West Indies, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the French West Indies, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating French West Indian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the French West Indies are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. IF ARRESTED: If you are arrested in the French West Indies, authorities are not required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.