Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Overseas region of France) |
| Country Codes | MQ, MTQ, 474 |
| Official Name | Martinique |
| Continent | North America (Caribbean) |
| Capital | Fort-de-France |
| Government Type | Overseas Department and Region of France |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +596 |
| Member Of | Not a member of the United Nations, as it is an overseas region of France |
| Population | Approximately 375,000 |
| Total Area | 1,128 km² |
| Highest Point | Mount Pelée (1,397 meters, 4,583 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Caribbean Sea (0 meters, 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | EUR 19,700 (approximate) |
| Life Expectancy | 83 years |
| Internet TLD | .mq |
Martinique National Anthem
La Marseillaise (The Song of Marseille)
(Note: Martinique uses the national anthem of France, La Marseillaise.)
Arise, children of the Fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us, tyranny’s
Bloody banner is raised, (repeat)
Do you hear, in the countryside,
The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
They’re coming right into your arms
To cut the throats of your sons, your women!
To arms, citizens,
Form your battalions,
Let’s march, let’s march!
Let an impure blood
Water our furrows! (repeat)
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Martinique Flag
Martinique, as an overseas region of France, officially uses the French national flag, the Tricolore, which features three vertical bands of blue, white, and red. However, Martinique also has a regional flag which is widely recognized and used in cultural and local contexts. This regional flag is known as the ‘Serpent flag’ or ‘Snake flag’ and has an intriguing history.
The Snake flag of Martinique features a blue field with a white cross dividing it into four quadrants, each quadrant containing a white L-shaped figure that resembles a snake. This design has historical ties to the maritime flags used during the colonial period. It was a variant of the naval ensign used for French colonial possessions from 1766. The snakes are fer-de-lance, a species of venomous snake found in Martinique, representing the island’s distinct fauna.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, the Snake flag has been subject to controversy due to its association with colonial history. In recent years, there has been a movement to adopt a new flag that better represents the island’s identity and cultural diversity. This debate reflects the broader conversation in Martinique about its historical legacy and identity within the French Republic.
The discussion around the Martinique flag illustrates the complexities of identity in overseas territories. While the Tricolore symbolizes the island’s connection to France, the Snake flag represents a unique regional identity. As Martinique continues to evolve, its flags remain significant symbols of its rich history and diverse culture.