one of the French West India Islands, the most northern of the Windward group, lies between Lat. 14. 24. and 14. 53. N., and Long. 60. 50. and 61. 18. W., about 20 miles N. of St Lucia. It is very irregular in form, and is about 50 miles in length from N.W. to S.E., by about 15 in mean breadth. Area 382 square miles. The surface is uneven and mountainous, and has several extinct volcanoes. The highest point in the island, Mont Pelee, rises to the height of 4450 feet. Extensive masses of volcanic rocks cover the interior, and extend from the mountains to the shore, where they form lofty cliffs. Between the volcanic rocks broad irregular valleys of great fertility occur. Those on the W. side, called Basse-Terre, are more extensive and fertile than those on the E. side, called Cotes-Terre. The valleys are watered by a great number of small streams. About two-fifths of the surface are under cultivation, the remainder being covered with trees, or occupied by naked rocks. The principal productions are sugar, coffee, cocoa, &c. The exports for the year ending 31st December 1851 were,—sugar, 51,610,160 lb.; coffee, 224,590 lb.; cocoa, 318,595 lb.; cassis, 360,669 lb.; logwood, 110,682 lb.; molasses, 7427 gallons; rum, 234,297 gallons. In 1854 the total value of exports from this island to France was L552,000; of imports from France L816,000. The coast being indented by numerous bays and inlets, affords many good harbours. There are two towns on the island, Port Royal and St Pierre; the former the capital, but the latter the more populous, and the centre of commerce. For administrative purposes it is divided into two arrondissements, fourteen cantons, and twenty-six communes; and is under a governor, with a privy council of seven members, and a colonial council of thirty members. Martinique, the native name of which is Madiana, was discovered by the Spaniards in 1493, and colonized by the French in 1635. It was taken by the English in 1762, and again in 1794 and 1809; and was finally given up to France in 1814. Pop. (1854) 123,701.