Martinique Geography:
Location:
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Geographic coordinates:
14 40 N, 61 00 W
Map references:
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:
total: 0 km
border countries: NA
Coastline:
350 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 NM
exclusive economic zone: 200 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: 10.38%
permanent crops: 9.43%
other: 80.19%
(2001)
Irrigated land:
30 sq km (1998 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
Geography - Note:
The island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants |
