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Guadeloupe: Islands
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Guadeloupe is a French archipelago comprising two large islands: Basse Terre and Grande Terre and several smaller ones. It is well known especially for its spectacular beaches. The people and culture is a harmonious blend of European, African and East Indian origin. Pointe-a-pitre on Grande-Terre is the commercial centre of Guadeloupe. The central Place de la Victoire is the oldest part of town, almost intact. In Basse-terre there an 17th-century cathedral and the ruins of Fort Louis Delgrès.
Guadeloupe is dependency of France in the Caribbean Sea. It is made up of five islands. Its capital is Basse-Terre. The islands were first lived on by Arawak Native Americans, but they were wiped out when Europeans came. Guadeloupe was first governed by France. It was then taken over by England, given to Sweden, and given back to France.
The economy of Guadeloupe depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. It ... depends on France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists from the US; an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditional sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, mainly from France. Light industry features sugar and rum production.
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Guadeloupe, the French Caribbean's butterfly-shaped archipelago, consists of two main islands. Grande-Terre to the east contains the major resort area and the popular city Pointe-a-Pitre; Basse-Terre, to the west, has mountainous terrain with primeval rainforest, towering waterfalls, and a 4,813-foot active volcano, La Soufriere. Other islands in the chain include Marie-Galante to the southeast, La Désirade to the east, and Saintes Islands—Terre d'en Haut and Terre d'en Bas—to the south. A bridge over the Rivière Salée joins the two main islands. Most visitors arrive in Pointe-a-Pitre, a busy city with a French provincial feel and a selection of outdoor markets. Unlike many Caribbean islands famous for either beaches or lush, mountainous rainforests, Guadeloupe has both, drawing hikers and divers to its rich natural treasures.
The two islands of Guadeloupe are distinctly different; one with a gentle landscape, the other with a rugged, mountainous terrain. The most common shore excursion is an island tour with stops at a rum factory and for shopping in town. Many excursions ... include a hike to a waterfall in the national park. Some of the best restaurants here are run out of the homes of Creole chefs. Be sure to try the local food, but call ahead for directions and hours.
surf photo Guadeloupe is situated in the Leewards Islands and is owned by French. Guadeloupe consits of 2 islands. Both islands are joined by a bridge over "la Riviere Salee". The climate is tropical. The rain season is from June to December. The main wind is E-NE all the year.
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