# Guadeloupe

> overseas region and department of France, and archipelago in the Caribbean

**Wikidata**: [Q17012](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17012)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadeloupe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guadeloupe

## Summary
Guadeloupe is an overseas region and department of France located as an archipelago in the Caribbean, with its capital at Basse-Terre and population of approximately 384,160 people.

## Key Facts
- Area: 1628 square kilometres
- Capital: Basse-Terre
- Population: 384,160 (2023 census)
- Currency: Euro (since 2002, previously Guadeloupe franc)
- Timezone: UTC-4 standard time, UTC-3 daylight saving time
- ISO codes: GP (alpha-2), GLP (alpha-3), 312 (numeric)
- Country: France
- Coordinates: 16.2595 latitude, -61.5605 longitude
- Emergency phone number: 112
- Telephone country code: +590
- Driving side: right
- Mains voltage: 230V 50Hz
- Plug type: Europlug
- Internet domain: .gp
- Nuts code: FR-971 (preferred)
- Inception: 1946-03-21
- Located in: Caribbean
- Highest point: Soufrière
- Official name: Guadeloupe (also known as Gwadloup)

## FAQs
- **What is Guadeloupe's status?** It is an overseas department and region of France, classified as a dependent territory without full political independence as a sovereign state.
- **What is its capital city?** The capital is Basse-Terre, with additional administrative centers including Pointe-à-Pitre.
- **What is the population of Guadeloupe?** As of January 1, 2023, the population was 384,160 based on census data.
- **What currency is used in Guadeloupe?** The euro has been the official currency since 2002, replacing the Guadeloupe franc.
- **What is the time zone?** Standard time is UTC-4, with daylight saving time at UTC-3.
- **What is the ISO code for Guadeloupe?** The ISO 3166-1 codes are GP (alpha-2), GLP (alpha-3), and 312 (numeric).
- **What languages are spoken?** French is the official language, with Guadeloupean Creole also widely used.
- **What is the flag of Guadeloupe?** It features the French tricolor with local symbols, though local variants exist.

## Why It Matters
Guadeloupe serves as an overseas department of France, maintaining administrative and political ties while functioning as a distinct Caribbean territory. It represents France's presence in the Caribbean region and contributes to the French economy through its tourism, agriculture, and service sectors. The territory plays a significant role in French overseas governance and cultural preservation, maintaining French language and administrative traditions while developing its own unique Caribbean identity.

## Notable For
- Being the only overseas department of France located entirely in the Caribbean
- Maintaining both French and Caribbean cultural identities
- Having its own local flag and coat of arms alongside the French national symbols
- Being part of the European Union through its French affiliation
- Having a unique administrative structure combining French and Caribbean governance elements

## Body
### History
Guadeloupe was established as an overseas department of France on March 21, 1946. The territory has a complex history dating back to European colonization, with the name derived from the Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe. It has maintained its status as a dependent territory of France without full sovereignty.

### Geography and Administration
Guadeloupe is an archipelago consisting of several islands including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the Petite Terre Islands. The highest point is Soufrière at 1,367 meters. The territory is divided into arrondissements including Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre, with major communes such as Les Abymes, Basse-Terre, and Baie-Mahault.

### Demographics
The population was 384,160 as of January 1, 2023. The demonym for inhabitants is "Guadalúpach" or "Guadeloupean." The territory has a diverse population with French and Caribbean heritage, speaking both French and Guadeloupean Creole. The population has been recorded through multiple censuses from 2013 to 2022, showing gradual changes over time.

### Economy
Guadeloupe's economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture (especially sugar, bananas, and rum production), and services. The euro has been the official currency since 2002, replacing the Guadeloupe franc which was in use until that time. The territory participates in the European Union's economic framework through its French affiliation.

### Culture and Language
French is the official language, while Guadeloupean Creole is widely spoken as a vernacular. The territory maintains strong cultural ties to France while developing its own Caribbean identity. The local culture includes French traditions alongside Caribbean influences, particularly in cuisine and music.

### Infrastructure and Technology
Guadeloupe has modern infrastructure including telecommunications services with telephone country code +590 and internet domain .gp. The mains voltage is 230V 50Hz, and electrical plugs follow Euro standards. The territory has emergency services with the number 112, and transportation includes roads with right-hand driving.

### Governance and Politics
Guadeloupe is governed as an overseas department of France, with political representation through French parliamentary institutions. The territory has its own local government structures and is represented by officials such as the head of government, who has included figures like Ary Chalus and Josette Borel-Lincertin. The territory participates in French administrative systems while maintaining some local autonomy.

### Natural Features
The archipelago features diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforests, coastal areas, and marine environments. The territory has specific geographic coordinates defining its boundaries, with the easternmost, westernmost, northernmost, and southernmost points recorded. The territory is part of the Caribbean region and has specific maritime identification digits (329).

### International Relations and Classification
Guadeloupe is classified as a dependent territory under French administration. It maintains relationships with international organizations through its French membership, including participation in European Union programs and international standards bodies. The territory has been referenced in various international databases and encyclopedias, with identifiers including ISO codes, Wikidata entries, and various library cataloging systems.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:FR)
5. Journal officiel de la République française. 1979
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. FIPS 10-4
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2119431?sommaire=2119504)
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. Q104585386
19. Code officiel géographique
20. The National Terminology Database for Irish
21. [Source](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/tgn/7004545)
22. BabelNet
23. [Source](http://www.insee.fr/fr/methodes/default.asp?page=nomenclatures/cog/codes_regions_2016.htm)
24. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
25. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
26. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
27. YouTube API
28. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
29. [Source](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2561535?sommaire=2546239)
30. [Source](https://m.la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/guadeloupeens-fideles-au-mariage-550363.html)
31. [Source](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques?debut=0&theme=2&categorie=1&collection=4)
32. iNaturalist
33. KBpedia