Guadeloupe Archipelago: French overseas territory
Guadeloupe Archipelago: French overseas territory
Located in the Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe Archipelago is a French overseas territory. The nearest islands are the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat to the northwest and Dominica to the south. The archipelago became a DOM also called Département Français d’outre mer in 1946. In 2003, its status changed into DROM (Département et région d’outre mer).
Guadeloupe Archipelago is composed of 1 main butterfly-shaped island and 3 other smaller ones. The mainland includes 2 islands: Basse-Terre which is situated in the West side and Grande-Terre in the East. La Désirade, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante are the 3 other ones. With a total land area of 1780 square kilometres, there are around 449000 inhabitants living there.
The inter- island maritime transportation is quite efficient. Multiple shipping companies are deliver good services on a daily basis. Usually, if you are going to Marie-Galante or La Désirade, most speedboats departures are from different Townships in Grande-Terre Island. On the other hand, if you are going to Les Saintes, you will most likely to leave from Trois-Rivières Township in Basse-Terre Island.
Guadeloupe Archipelago: An astonishing scenery
In terms of climate Guadeloupe Archipelago has a tropical one. In tropical climates, temperatures remain relatively constant (hot and humid) all year round. With this amazing climate, let’s just say that the scenery is tremendously diversified and lively.
Throughout the archipelago there are nice beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters. Depending on the location, some of them have gold, white, brown or black powdery sand. You will also be able to visit breathtaking cascading waterfalls called Carbet Falls.
Another masterpiece part of Guadeloupe Archipelago’s scenery is the active volcano: La Soufrière. Also called the tall lady, it is the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles.
The luxuriant flora includes the tropical dry forest, the rainforest, the mangrove swamp as well as aquatic and flowering plants. Additionally, the aquatic and terrestrial fauna is vibrant and vigorous. There is a wide variety of birds including a unique indigenous bird: the black woodpecker.
Guadeloupe Archipelago: A rich cultural heritage and traditions
- A plentiful culinary heritage which blends Caribbean, European, Indian, African and Oriental influences:
The cuisine from Guadeloupe Archipelago includes a wide variety of food. You will be able to eat succulent seafood, farm-fresh meats and poultry, tropical fruits and vegetables as well as root vegetables. On top of that, there is an array of spices available to add flavour to your mouthwatering dishes. With over 200 local restaurants on the archipelago, the gastronomy will strengthen your overall experience.
Also, don’t forget to try the traditional fried burger: the Bokit. The Ti Punch which is a combination of white rum, lime and cane sugar is a famous cocktail. Guadeloupe Archipelago is also about high quality and original pure Arabica coffee.
- A multi-faceted identity where Indian rites, African memory and the rule of the 17th-century colonists are part of everyday life:
In Guadeloupe Archipelago, there is always a special occasion or event to gather the population and celebrate with music. Therefore, islanders enjoy many traditional music and dance styles including:
– Biguine
– Gwoka
– Zouk
- A good deal of celebrations, festivals, parties throughout the year:
The Carnival is one of the biggest annual celebration. During a couple of months from the Epiphany (the first Sunday of January) until the Ash Wednesday, there is an explosive period of cheerfulness.
- A bilingual archipelago:
The official language is French but majority of the population also speaks Creole. The creole language is the result of our history based on various influences. The creole is a mix of French, African, but also English and Spanish languages.
Over the years, tremendous progresses have been made to increase the acknowledgement of Creole as a regional language. Consequently, the language is now taught in multiple primary, secondary, and high schools in Guadeloupe Archipelago.
