Original Source
Martinique Youth Leave for Mainland France Amid Colonial Legacy and High Costs
Youth Migration from Martinique
Young people in Martinique, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, are increasingly migrating to mainland France. Despite the island's natural beauty, the primary drivers are a lack of academic and job opportunities, along with a high cost of living. Renée Bertini of France24 traveled to Martinique and interviewed young residents, many of whom feel conflicted about leaving their homes. For example, Emmanuelle, 18, is studying law for her bachelor's degree in Martinique but will need to move to mainland France to pursue her career as a lawyer.
High Living Costs and Colonial Legacy
Martinique holds the status of a French 'département,' granting its inhabitants full French citizenship and equal status to those in mainland France. However, many residents feel like second-class citizens or believe they are being left behind by the French government. This sentiment is reflected in various aspects of their daily lives, particularly the high cost of living. Supermarket prices in Martinique are significantly higher than in mainland France, even surpassing those in Paris. For instance, bell peppers cost around 12 euros per kilogram, compared to about 4 euros on the mainland. This disparity is attributed to the island's reliance on imports and a complex supply chain. While mainland France typically has three steps in its supply chain, Martinique can have up to 14 steps. Many argue that this inequality stems from France's colonial past and the enduring legacy of the slave economy. When slavery was abolished in 1848, the French government compensated former slave owners with land and money, and their descendants still control over 80% of the island's economy.
*Source: YouTube: France 24 English (2026-06-02)*
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