Postage stamps and postal history of Martinique Postage stamps and postal history of Martinique This is a survey of the postage stamps and postal history of Martinique. Martinique is an island in the eastern Caribbean. To the northwest lies Dominica, to the south St Lucia, and to the southeast Barbados. It is an overseas region of France. Stamps of France were used in Martinique from 1851, and the French colonies general issues from 1859. The first stamp of Martinique was issued on 18 July 1886, overpriniting "Martinique" on the French colonies general issues. In 1892, the first definitive set, the French colonial series, was issued. A series
Culture of Martinique descended from African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations during the colonial era, white slave owners or from Carib or Kalinago people. Today, the island enjoys a higher standard of living than most other Caribbean countries. The finest French products are easily available, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain. Among young people, studying in France is common. For the French, Martinique has been a vacation hotspot for many years, attracting both the upper class and more budget-conscious travelers. Music contributes a great deal to Martinique's culture. The most popular style is zouk, which originated in Martinique and Guadeloupe by