Guadeloupe is situated in the Caribbean basin, 2 000 km from Florida and 7 000 km from Paris, and has 400 000 inhabitants.
Guadeloupe’s economy is largely focused on tourism and public service. The region has a rich biodiversity and a strategic location. Banana and sugar cane cultivation is still key to the economy.
Nevertheless high unemployment, particularly for young people and early school leaving, hampers regional development.
Significant exposure to natural hazards, additional transport costs and low integration in its regional space are also important challenges to overcome.