Political parties and leaders: Martinique Independence Movement or MIM
[Alfred MARIE-JEANNE]; Martinique Progressive Party or PPM [Camille
DARSIERES]; note - may no longer be in existence; Martinique Socialist
Party or PMS [Ernest WAN-AJOUHU]; Movement of Democrats and Ecologists
for a Sovereign Martinique or Modemas [Garcin MALSA]; Rally for the
Republic or RPR [Michel CHARLONE]; Socialist Revolution Group or GRS
[Philippe PIERRE-CHARLES]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Jean MAREN]
Political pressure groups and leaders: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance
or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM [Marc PULVAR];
Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action
Group or GAP
International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas department of France)
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 Martinique
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, which employs more than 11,000 people, 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 - $4.39 billion (1997 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: NA%