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 Guadeloupe| Facts & Figures |
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| Status: Overseas Department Prefect: Jean-Jacques Brot (2006) Land area: 680 sq mi (1,761 sq km); total
area: 687 sq mi (1,780 sq km) Population (2007 est.): 456,698 (growth
rate: 0.8%); birth rate: 14.7/1000; infant mortality rate: 8.2/1000;
life expectancy: 78.2; density per sq mi: 672 Capital (2003 est.): Basse-Terre,
12,900 Largest city: Abymes, 65,700 Monetary unit: Franc More Facts & Figures |
Guadeloupe, in the West Indies about 300 mi (483 km) southeast of
Puerto Rico, was explored by Columbus in 1493. It consists of the twin
islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre and five
dependencies—Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, La Désirade, St.
Barthélemy, and the northern three-fifths of St. Martin. The
volcano Soufrière (4,813 ft; 1,467 m), also called La Grande
Soufrière, is the highest point on Guadeloupe.
French colonization began in 1635, and in 1674 Guadeloupe became part
of the domain of France. In 1946, it became an overseas department of
France.
See also
Encyclopedia:
Guadeloupe
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