Part 537

Military

Military branches: no regular military forces (a coast guard may be established); Police Force

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: claims US territory of Wake Island ______________________________________________________________________

MARTINIQUE

(overseas department of France)

@Martinique:Geography

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total : 1,100 sq km land: 1,060 sq km water: 40 sq km

Area - comparative: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 350 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid

Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land

Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 8% permanent pastures: 17% forests and woodland: 44% other : 23% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years)

Environment - current issues: NA

Environment - international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA

@Martinique:People

Population: 402,984 (July 1997 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (male 46,906; female 45,800) 15-64 years: 67% (male 133,500; female 136,773) 65 years and over : 10% (male 16,890; female 23,115) (July 1997 est.)