Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas department of
France)
Flag description: a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Economy
Economy - overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.95 billion (1995 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: NA%
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,000 (1995 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 11% services: 83% (1992 est.)
Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3.9% (1990)
Labor force: total: 160,000 by occupation: agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1992)