Martinique, one of the French overseas departments in the chain of islands of the West Indies, is known for its bananas, rum and heavenly beaches. Its population of 350,000 inhabitants exudes joie de vivre, even though it has the highest average age among French regions, which is largely due to the high emigration of young people to metropolitan France. As early as 2007, French demographers pointed out that both Guadeloupe and Martinique have a higher proportion of supercentenarians, people aged 110 and over. Eight supercentenarians were found whereas, statistically, only one was expected. As early as December 2019, the desire to see Martinique awarded Blue Zone status was born. Despite the delay in the research due to the pandemic, the results finalised in February 2023 are conclusive. On 1 January 2023, it was estimated that the island had more than 400 centenarians, twice as many per capita as France as a whole. The probability of a Martinican reaching the age of 100 is half as high. It is also observed that very old Martinicans survive longer if they live on their island than those who have emigrated to metropolitan France. On the basis of strict scientific validation, the conclusion gives to Martinique the scientific status of Blue Zone. Such news brings a certain hope for the future of these populations formed in great majority by descendants of slaves… an explanatory element of this exceptional longevity highlighted by the French demographer J. Vallin.
Scientific Validation Report Martinique
Rapport Scientifique sur la Martinique
Longevity Blue Zones 