Guadeloupe

Population data for Guadeloupe is currently being loaded.

The capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre.

GDP data for Guadeloupe is currently being loaded.

GDP data for Guadeloupe is currently being loaded.

Guadeloupe covers 1,628 km² (629 sq mi).

The official language of Guadeloupe is French.

Guadeloupe uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.

Guadeloupe is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Guadeloupe are January, February, March, April, based on climate data for the capital.

Guadeloupe has a population of approximately 400,000. This figure reflects the archipelago's role as a densely populated overseas region of France in the Caribbean. The population is mostly urban and resides across the main islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which serve as the administrative and economic centers of the territory.

The official language of Guadeloupe is French, which is used in all administrative, educational, and legal contexts. However, a local Antillean Creole is also widely spoken by the population in daily life, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage. Most residents are bilingual, navigating between formal French and the traditional regional dialect.

Current estimates show that the GDP per capita in Guadeloupe is around €25,000 ($27,000). As an overseas department of France, the region benefits from significant financial transfers from the mainland. Its economy is largely supported by public services and tourism, which help maintain living standards that are relatively high compared to its regional neighbors.

Guadeloupe is not an independent country; instead, it is an overseas department and region of France. This political status means it is an integral part of the French Republic and a member of the European Union. Consequently, residents are French citizens and the territory uses the euro (€) as its official currency.

The highest point in Guadeloupe is La Grande Soufriere, which reaches an elevation of 1,467 m (4,813 ft). Located on the island of Basse-Terre, this active volcano is a prominent landmark and a major feature of the Guadeloupe National Park, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The literacy rate in Guadeloupe is approximately 96.5%. This high level of education is attributed to the territory's integration into the French national education system, which mandates schooling for all children. Public investment in schools and vocational training centers ensures that most adults are proficient in reading and writing.

Internet access is widespread across the archipelago, with latest data indicating that over 80% of the population uses the internet. The territory benefits from modern telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber-optic connections and mobile broadband services. High connectivity supports the digital economy, social media engagement, and the local tourism industry across the islands.

The main agricultural products of Guadeloupe include bananas and sugarcane, which have historically anchored the island's export economy. Sugarcane is primarily used for the production of sugar and world-renowned rum. Other crops cultivated for local consumption include eggplants, flowers, and various tropical root vegetables, though the island still relies on food imports.

Guadeloupe ranks among the largest territories in the Caribbean region rather than having a specific independent global rank. It is one of the most populous French overseas departments, holding a similar demographic weight to neighboring Martinique and maintaining a larger population than many nearby independent island nations.

The population density is approximately 230 km² (596 sq mi). Most of the inhabitants are concentrated on the two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, particularly in the urban zones surrounding the largest cities. This density is high compared to the global average but typical for developed Caribbean territories.

The population is currently shrinking at a rate of approximately 0.5% annually. This decline is not due to a lack of births, as fertility remains stable, but is primarily caused by the emigration of young adults to mainland France for better economic and educational opportunities.

The fertility rate in Guadeloupe is approximately 2.1 children per woman. This rate is at the replacement level and is slightly higher than the average in mainland France. However, this birth rate is offset by negative net migration, leading to the current stagnation in total population numbers.

Guadeloupe is highly urbanized, with approximately 98% of the population living in urban areas. Most residents live in the urban agglomerations of the 'Bointoise' area and the capital city, Basse-Terre. This high level of urbanization reflects the territory's modern infrastructure and the centralization of services and employment.