The population of Martinique was estimated at 358,749 inhabitants in January 2020. With an area of 1128 km² (436 sq. mi.), the population density is approximately 329.12 inhabitants per km². The inhabitants of Martinique are called the Martiniquais. The languages spoken are French (official language) and Martinican Creole inherited from the period of slavery. Creole is a language very close to the French language.
Distribution of Population
The three most populated municipalities are all located in the center of Martinique Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique with 81,006 inhabitants, Lamentin with 40,481 inhabitants and Le Robert with 22,928 inhabitants. The least populated municipalities are in the north with Grand-Rivière with its 731 inhabitants, Fonds-Saint-Denis with its 742 inhabitants and Macouba with 1,083 inhabitants.
The population of Martinique in numbers
Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 78.6 years for men and 84.7 years for women, figures similar to the French national average. The infant mortality rate was 9.0 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2010 according to INSEE. Nearly 30% of Martinicans are between 40 and 59 years old, which constitutes the largest share by age category. The average age of the Martinican population is 45.7 years old in 2020 and could be 57 years old in 2040 if nothing is done to stem the aging of the population. The population of Martinique has more women (54% of the population) than men (46%).
The origins of Martinican people
Martinican population is very mixed. Indeed, the vast majority, it is a descendant of former slaves from Africa from the 17th century and European settlers. Martinican are also many descendants of the Indians came to the end of the slavery era. Martinique has many metropolitan arrived from France but also from Europe in more recent times too. At least, some Martinican are descendants of Chinese and Syrians arrived in the early 20th century. To understand better the different waves of population in Martinique, you can read our article about Martinique's history.
Immigration in Martinique
Martinique is one of the French department with the lowest rates of immigration. Less than 3% of the inhabitants of Martinique were immigrants in 2010. However, many communities are present in Martinique. More than one hundred (about 115 countries) of persons from foreign countries live in Martinique. They come mainly from surrounding Caribbean islands of Martinique. However, the two largest communities (St. Lucian and Haitian) represent nearly 60% of the total immigrant population. The largest European community is the Belgian community.
Habitat in Martinique
Housing in Martinique is composed mainly of individual houses built of reinforced concrete. There is not much difference between urban housing and rural housing.
Martinique and religion
The Martinique are devout followers of religious practice. Nearly 90% of Martinican are practicing Christians. A large majority would be Catholic. The mainstream Protestant Adventists, Evangelical Methodists, Baptists and Pentecostals. Jehovah's Witnesses would also be very active.
Other trends also exist as minority Hindus, Muslims and Jews but their share is difficult to assess in the population. And the official religions recognized by the state, we should also note the belief in magical rites as quimbois.
