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flag Guadelupe History Guadelupe

 
 

Area : 658  sq.mi

Population : 444515 hab.

In brief

Visa :
No
Vaccinations :
No
Currency :
Euro
Capitale :
Basse-Terre
Languages :
creole, French

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History

 historyDates

In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovers the island during his second trip to the West Indies.
In 1664, the "Code Noir" sets the conditions of slavery.
During the years of 1759-1763, Guadeloupe is occupied by the British.
February 7, 1793, the Convention abolishes slavery, restored by the British a year later.
In 1843, an earthquake ravages the city of Pointe-à-Pitre.
In April 1848, slavery is abolished for good.
In 1946, Guadeloupe becomes a French Department.
1967-1968, serious independent movement riots.
In 1976, explosive eruption of Soufriere volcano, forcing 72,000 people to leave their homes.
1983-1984, l'ARC claims attacks against "French colonialism".
1989, hurricane Hugo devastates the island.
1996, 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the island as a French department, lining up the SMIC (minimum wage) and social benefits on the ones received in France.
August 2002: Dominique Vian becomes Prefect of Guadeloupe.
December 7, 2003: with 72,98% of people voting "no", Guadeloupe (just like Martinique) rejects the project of institutional reform. The project, which was aimed at replacing the regional and local councils with a single assembly, was suggested by elected representatives.