Martinique Population Overview
Martinique is an island and overseas department of France, located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. As an integral part of the French Republic, Martinique is both a territory and a region of France, with full administrative integration into the French state.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, France, the population of Martinique is estimated at 355,459, ranking it 9th in the Caribbean by population. The island covers a total land area of 1,060 sq. km (409 sq. miles), with a population density of approximately 354 people per sq. km. The capital city is Fort-de-France, which also serves as the main political, cultural, and economic center of the island.
Quick Facts / Demographics
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population 2026 | 355,459 |
| Caribbean Rank | 9 |
| Sovereignty | Territory of France |
| Land Area | 1,060 sq. km (409 sq. mi) |
| Population Density | 354 people/sq. km |
| Capital City | Fort-de-France |
Source: The National Institute of Statistics & Economic Studies, France
Religion in Martinique
Christianity is the dominant religion in Martinique, with Roman Catholicism accounting for the vast majority of believers. A small but notable share of the population follows Protestant denominations, while minority communities practice Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Hinduism. A portion of the population identifies with other religious beliefs or affiliations, reflecting Martinique’s cultural diversity.
Religious Composition in Martinique
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | 86.0% |
| Protestant | 5.6% |
| Muslim | 0.5% |
| Baháʼí | 0.5% |
| Hindu | 0.3% |
| Others | 7.1% |
Also read about: Religion in the United States
Race and Ethnicity in Martinique
Martinique’s population is predominantly of African descent, often mixed with European, Amerindian (Carib), and Indian ancestry. The island is also home to smaller communities of South Indians (descendants of 19th-century Tamil and Telugu migrants), as well as Syro-Lebanese and Chinese minorities.
In addition, Martinique has a temporary mainland French population, with many residents living on the island for fixed-term professional or administrative assignments.
Administrative Divisions of Martinique
Martinique is administratively divided into 4 arrondissements and 34 communes. The arrondissements serve as sub-prefectures and group together multiple communes across the island. Fort-de-France is the prefecture and administrative capital of Martinique.
Arrondissements of Martinique (2019)
| Arrondissement | Area (km²) | Communes | Population (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort-de-France | 209 | 4 | 152,102 |
| Le Marin | 409 | 12 | 114,824 |
| La Trinité | 338 | 10 | 75,238 |
| Saint-Pierre | 104 | 8 | 22,344 |
Largest Urban Units in Martinique
The most populous urban unit in Martinique is Le Robert, which spans 11 communes in the southeastern part of the island. The three largest urban units are:
| Urban Unit | Population (2019) |
|---|---|
| Le Robert | 130,179 |
| Fort-de-France | 116,462 |
| Le Lamentin | 40,095 |
Largest Communes in Martinique (2019)
| Commune | Population |
|---|---|
| Fort-de-France | ~78,000 |
| Le Lamentin | ~39,000 |
| Le Robert | ~23,000 |
| Schœlcher | ~20,000 |
| Sainte-Marie | ~16,000 |
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