Your guide to being an expatriate in Guadeloupe

Demographics of Guadeloupe:

Religion Overview

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guadeloupe, with over 89% of the population practicing it. Other religious communities include Protestants (5%), Jehovah's Witnesses (2%), Adventists (1%), and other religious groups (3%).

Major Religions

Climate

Guadeloupe has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from June to October, bringing heavy rainfall, while the dry season lasts from December to April. The humidity is high throughout the year, and temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Economy Overview

Guadeloupe's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and services. Its primary exports are bananas, sugarcane, and essential oils. Fishing and forestry also play an important role in the economy. The country's per capita income is above the regional average, but it still faces significant economic and social challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and social inequalities. Guadeloupe is part of the European Union, and its currency is the Euro.

Key Industries

• Agriculture (bananas, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables)
• Tourism (beaches, waterfalls, natural parks, and historical sites)
• Services (banking, finance, and administration)

Major Companies

• BananeFrance: producer of bananas
• SFRA: retail supermarket chain
• Guadeloupe Bank: banking services provider

Culture and Language Overview

Guadeloupe's culture reflects a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. The country celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, Christmas, and Creole Day. Traditional music genres include calypso, zouk, and kompa, while Creole cuisine features seafood, plantains, and tropical fruits. Artisanal crafts include woven baskets, ceramic pottery, and batik fabrics.

Cultural Highlights

• Carnaval de Guadeloupe: a colorful and vibrant festival celebrated in February or March, featuring music, dance, and parades.
• Jump-Up: a traditional street dance performed during Carnival, characterized by fast-paced movements and intense energy.
• La Grande Case Créole: a historic house in Pointe-à-Pitre serving traditional Creole dishes such as accras and fanfan.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Guadeloupe's landmarks and attractions reflect its natural beauty and historical heritage. The Fort Napoléon in Point-à-Pitre is a well-preserved fort built in the 19th century, while the Académie Impériale de Musique in Basse-Terre is a former royal institute founded in 1835. The Grand-Anse Beach on Grande-Terre is a picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and powdery sand.

Notable Landmarks

• Fort Napoléon: a historic military fortress built in the 19th century, now a museum and cultural center.
• Académie Impériale de Musique: a former royal institute for music and dance, now a cultural center.
• Grande-Anse Beach: a beautiful beach located on Grande-Terre, known for its turquoise waters and white sand.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Epiphany (January 6)
• Carnival (late February to early March)
• Good Friday
• Maundy Thursday
• Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
• Whit Monday (7 weeks after Easter)
• Corpus Christi
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• All Souls' Day (November 2)
• Arrival Day: Commemorates the arrival of the first colonists on November 9, 1635.
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Political Stability

Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France, which means it enjoys full rights as a French territory, including representation in the French Parliament and the Euro currency as legal tender. The political stability of Guadeloupe is quite high, with a functioning democratic system and a low crime rate. However, the region still faces significant social and economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and income inequality.