Fort-de-France

Fort-de-France is the capital of France's Caribbean département of Martinique. With a population of approximately 101,000 it is also one of the major cities in the Caribbean.

The city has a fine, natural harbor defended by three forts. Originally named Fort-Royal, the city became economically important after the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre in 1902. A statue commemorating Martinique-born Empress Josephine, the wife of Napoleon, is in the city.