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: 9.43% permanent crops: 11.32% other: 79.25% (1998 est.)
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
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
People Martinique