Martinique

The entire country's population is relatively small, comparable to a medium-sized city globally, yet it functions as a distinct political and administrative entity. The capital, Fort-de-France, serves as the primary hub for all governance, economic, and social activities for the entire 350,000 residents, concentrating infrastructure and services.

Martinique's geographical location places it firmly within the Caribbean subregion of the Americas, suggesting typical island development patterns. However, its status as an overseas department of France means its governance, economic structure, and legal frameworks are deeply integrated with the European Union, creating a unique socio-political hybrid.

Compared to many other countries, Martinique's total land area is extremely limited (just over 1,100 sq km), making land use planning critical for housing, agriculture, and conservation. This scarcity, combined with the need to support a relatively large population for its size, highlights potential conflicts between development and environmental preservation.

With a population of nearly 350,000 concentrated on a small land area of just over 1,100 square kilometers, Martinique faces significant population density challenges. This density (approximately 310 people per sq km) is high for a Caribbean island and necessitates careful urban planning and resource management, particularly around its capital, Fort-de-France.