Guadeloupe Islands Fast Facts

Press release

Capital: Pointe-à-Pitre

Area: 629 square miles

Population: About a half million people live on the Guadeloupe Islands. The majority is Afro-Caribbean, but sizable minorities of Indians and Caucasian Frenchmen call Guadeloupe home, as do a good number of people who are all of the above. Roman Catholicism is by far and away the dominant religion.

Climate: The Guadeloupe Islands enjoy a temperate tropical climate thanks to the influence of the ocean and trade winds. Throughout the year, the air and water temperatures vary between 75°F and 86°F. Rainfall is very localized, short-lived and generally more common in mountainous areas.

Currency: The currency is the euro (€). The coins and notes are the same as those used in Europe. The main French banks are represented and are generally open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Some agencies are open on Saturday from 8am to 1pm. ATMs are available.

Time Difference: The Guadeloupe Islands share the same time zone as New York and Montreal, namely GMT-5 in winter and GMT-6 in summer.

Voltage: 220 volts. Travelers from North America should carry adapters and transformers with European-style round pins.

Entry Formalities: The Guadeloupe Islands are an integral part of France, and therefore of Europe. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient.

Main Highlights:

• La Soufrière Volcano

• Captain Cousteau underwater statue

• Pointe-à-Pitre, the New Orleans of the Caribbean

• Les Saintes Bay

• Pointe des Châteaux

• Creole-style Nouvelle Cuisine

Major Events:

• Carnival

• Terre de Blues – Marie-Galante

• International “Tour de Guadeloupe” Cycling Race

• Kakado Christmas