History of Guadeloupe in Timeline

Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France located in the Caribbean. It comprises six inhabited islands, including Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, along with numerous smaller islands. Basse-Terre serves as the capital, while Les Abymes is the most populous city, and Pointe-à-Pitre is the main business center. Situated south of Antigua and Barbuda and north of Dominica, Guadeloupe had a population of approximately 395,726 in 2024.

1904: Participation in Panama Canal construction begins

In 1904, an estimated 50,000 Guadeloupeans and Martinicans began participating in the construction of the Panama Canal.

1914: Participation in Panama Canal construction ends

In 1914, an estimated 50,000 Guadeloupeans and Martinicans completed participating in the construction of the Panama Canal.

1923: Granting of French nationality to Indian citizens

In 1923, after a long campaign led by Henry Sidambarom, French nationality and the vote were granted to Indian citizens in Guadeloupe.

1928: Hurricane Okeechobee

In 1928, the Okeechobee hurricane affected Guadeloupe.

1936: Félix Éboué becomes governor

In 1936, Félix Éboué became the first black governor of Guadeloupe.

1943: Guadeloupe joins Free France

During World War II, Guadeloupe, which had been under the control of the Vichy government, joined Free France in 1943.

1946: Guadeloupe becomes an overseas department of France

In 1946, the colony of Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France.

1952: 'Massacre of St Valentine'

In 1952, the 'Massacre of St Valentine' occurred in Le Moule, when striking factory workers were shot at by the Compagnies républicaines de sécurité, resulting in four deaths.

1955: Peak of Intensive Crops

In Guadeloupe, the development of intensive crops, particularly banana and sugar cane, reached its peak in the years 1955-75, leading to environmental degradation.

1960: Saint-John Perse wins Nobel Prize

In 1960, Guadeloupean author Saint-John Perse won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1963: Creation of Bumidom

In 1963, Michel Debré created Bumidom with the objective to contribute to the solution of demographic problems in the overseas departments.

1963: Start of Guadeloupean emigration through Bumidom

In 1963, the emigration of Guadeloupeans to metropolitan France through Bumidom began.

1964: Hurricane Cleo

In 1964, Hurricane Cleo affected Guadeloupe.

1965: Hurricane Betsy

In 1965, Hurricane Betsy affected Guadeloupe.

1966: Hurricane Inez

In 1966, Hurricane Inez affected Guadeloupe.

May 1967: Racial tensions explode

In May 1967, racial tensions in Guadeloupe erupted into rioting following a racist attack on a black Guadeloupean, Raphael Balzinc, resulting in eight deaths.

1972: Serge Nubret took 3rd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest

In 1972, Bodybuilder Serge Nubret, representing the French state, took 3rd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest.

1974: Serge Nubret took 3rd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest

In 1974, Bodybuilder Serge Nubret, representing the French state, again took 3rd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest.

1974: Guadeloupe becomes a French region

In 1974, in response to a growing independence movement, France declared Guadeloupe a French region.

1975: Serge Nubret took 2nd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest

In 1975, Bodybuilder Serge Nubret, representing the French state, took 2nd place in the IFBB's Mr. Olympia contest.

1976: La Grande Soufrière eruption

In 1976, the last eruption of La Grande Soufrière volcano led to the evacuation of the southern part of Basse-Terre, displacing 73,600 people for three and a half months.

1980: Treaty with Venezuela

In 1980, France established its maritime boundaries in the area by signing a Treaty with Venezuela.

1981: End of Bumidom emigration period

Between 1963 and 1981, an estimated 16,562 Guadeloupeans emigrated to metropolitan France through Bumidom.

1981: Founded the Tour of Guadeloupe sailing

In 1981, the Tour of Guadeloupe sailing was founded.

1982: Greater autonomy granted to Guadeloupe

In 1982, greater autonomy was granted to Guadeloupe.

1988: Ludovic Proto competed in the Summer Olympics

In 1988, Ludovic Proto competed in the Summer Olympics in the men's light welterweight division as an amateur boxer.

February 1989: Guadalupe National Park created

The Guadalupe National Park was created on 20 February 1989.

1989: Hurricane Hugo

In 1989, Hurricane Hugo caused severe damage to the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago.

1991: Gilbert Delé won the WBA world light-middleweight title

In 1991, Gilbert Delé won the WBA world light-middleweight title as a professional boxer.

1992: Biosphere Reserve created

In 1992, under the auspices of UNESCO, the Biosphere Reserve of the Guadeloupe Archipelago was created.

December 1993: Grand Cul-de-sac listed as a wetland

On 8 December 1993, the marine site of Grand Cul-de-sac was listed as a wetland of international importance.

1995: Multiple Hurricanes

In 1995, the archipelago of Guadeloupe was hit by three hurricanes: Iris, Luis, and Marilyn in less than three weeks.

1998: Hosting the Karujet Race

Since 1998, Guadeloupe has been internationally known for hosting the Karujet Race – Jet Ski World Championship.

2003: Referendum for Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin

In 2003, a referendum was held where Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy voted to separate from the administrative jurisdiction of Guadeloupe, which was fully enacted by 2007.

2003: Referendum for Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy separation

In 2003, through a referendum, Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy voted to separate from the administrative jurisdiction of Guadeloupe, which was fully enacted by 2007.

November 2004: Violent earthquake

On 21 November 2004, the islands of Guadeloupe were shaken by a violent earthquake that reached a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, causing one death and extensive damage.

2005: Jean-Marc Mormeck held the WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles

In 2005, Jean-Marc Mormeck, as a professional boxer, held the WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles.

2005: Foreign population

In 2005, the prefecture in Guadeloupe reported that there were between 50,000 and 60,000 foreigners in the department.

2007: Jean-Marc Mormeck held the WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles

In 2007, Jean-Marc Mormeck, as a professional boxer, held the WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles for the second time.

2007: Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin Detachment

In 2007, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin were detached from Guadeloupe, fully enacting the results of a 2003 referendum.

2007: Guadeloupe football team CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finalists

In 2007, the Guadeloupe football team were defeated by Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals.

2007: Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy separation enacted

In 2007, the separation of Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy from the administrative jurisdiction of Guadeloupe was fully enacted, following a 2003 referendum.

January 2009: Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon strike

In January 2009, labour unions and others, known as the Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon, went on strike in Guadeloupe for more pay, leading to violence and the deployment of extra police. The strike lasted 44 days.

2009: Hosted the French Cycling Championships

In 2009, Guadeloupe hosted the French Cycling Championships.

2009: Rise in violence and crime

In 2009, the high level of unemployment caused violence and crime to rise.

2010: Rise in violence and crime

In 2010, the high level of unemployment caused violence and crime to rise.

2010: Tourism affected

In 2010, tourism in Guadeloupe was affected by the aftermath of the strikes that took place in January 2009.

2011: Life expectancy at birth

In 2011, life expectancy at birth in Guadeloupe was recorded at 77.0 years for males and 83.5 years for females.

2011: Guadeloupe hosts the Orange Open de Guadeloupe tennis tournament

Since 2011, Guadeloupe continues to host the Orange Open de Guadeloupe tennis tournament.

September 2013: County government voted in favour of constructing a tramway in Pointe-à-Pitre

On September 9, 2013, the county government voted in favour of constructing a tramway in Pointe-à-Pitre.

2013: Population Decrease

Since 2013, the population of Guadeloupe has been decreasing by 0.8% per year.

2014: Descendants of West Indians in Panama

In 2014, it was estimated that there were between 60,000 and 70,000 descendants of West Indians living in Panama.

2014: Carnival in kabwèt of Marie-Galante registered in the inventory of the intangible heritage of France at UNESCO

In 2014, the Carnival in kabwèt of Marie-Galante was registered in the inventory of the intangible heritage of France at UNESCO.

2016: Most violent overseas French department

In 2016, Guadeloupe was the most violent overseas French department.

2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria

In 2017, Guadeloupe was affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

2017: GDP and Trade

In 2017, the Gross domestic product (GDP) of Guadeloupe was €9.079 billion, with a GDP per capita of €23,152. Imports amounted to €3.019 billion, and exports to €1.157 billion. Banana exports suffered due to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.

2017: Population Density

In 2017, the average population density in Guadeloupe was 240 inhabitants per square kilometre (620/sq mi).

March 2018: ChlEauTerre study unveiled

In March 2018, the ChlEauTerre study revealed that 37 different anthropogenic molecules, including residues of now-banned pesticides, were found in a high percentage of watersheds in Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.

2018: Biomass and coal energy and petroleum hydrocarbons are the most used

By 2018, biomass and coal energy and petroleum hydrocarbons are still the most used in Guadeloupe.

2018: Students were enrolled at Guadeloupe Academy

During the 2018–2019 school year students were enrolled at Guadeloupe Academy.

2018: 34 MW power plant, producing 260 GWh/year of electricity

In 2018, a 34 MW power plant produced 260 GWh/year of electricity, which is 15% of the island's needs.

2018: Guadeloupe academic region employed 9,618 people

In 2018, the Guadeloupe academic region employed 9,618 people and its operating budget was €714.3 million for 2018–2019.

2018: Guadeloupe EPP plans to develop 66 MW of additional biomass capacity

The Guadeloupe EPP plans to develop 66 MW of additional biomass capacity between 2018 and 2023.

2019: Students were enrolled at Guadeloupe Academy

During the 2018–2019 school year students were enrolled at Guadeloupe Academy.

2019: Degradation of water bodies

In 2019, a report by the Guadeloupe Water Office noted a "generalized degradation of water bodies."

2019: Guadeloupe academic region employed 9,618 people

In 2019, the Guadeloupe academic region employed 9,618 people and its operating budget was €714.3 million for 2018–2019.

2019: The first phase of the tramway to link northern Abymes to downtown Pointe-à-Pitre

In 2019, the first phase of the tramway was planned to link northern Abymes to downtown Pointe-à-Pitre.

2020: 61% of drinking water production is wasted

According to 2020 data from the Water Office, 61% of drinking water production is wasted due to pipes in poor condition.

2020: Religion

In 2020, it was recorded that 96% of Guadeloupe's population identified as Christian (approximately 86% Roman Catholic, 8% Protestant, and 6% other Christian).

2020: Priests in the diocese

In 2020, there were 59 priests active in the Diocese of Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre.

2020: 50% renewable energy planned in the territory

The Energy transition Law (TECV) provides for 50% renewable energy by 2020 in the territory of Guadeloupe.

July 2021: Guy Losbar becomes President

On 1 July 2021, Guy Losbar became the elected president of the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe.

2021: Additional police officers were deployed to the island

In 2021, additional police officers were deployed to Guadeloupe in the face of rioting arising out of COVID-19 restrictions.

2023: The second phase of the tramway extends the line to serve the university

In 2023, the second phase of the tramway was scheduled to extend the line to serve the university.

2023: Guadeloupe EPP plans to develop 66 MW of additional biomass capacity

The Guadeloupe EPP plans to develop 66 MW of additional biomass capacity between 2018 and 2023, including 43 MW to replace coal.

January 2024: Population Estimate

On 1 January 2024, the estimated population of Guadeloupe was 378,561.

2024: Guadeloupe population

In 2024, Guadeloupe had a population of 395,726 residents.

2025: Replacement by a new PCG-NG patrol boat is planned

In about 2025–2026, the Maritime Gendarmerie deploys the patrol boat Violette in the territory, which is planned for replacement by a new PCG-NG patrol boat.

2026: Replacement by a new PCG-NG patrol boat is planned

In about 2025–2026, the Maritime Gendarmerie deploys the patrol boat Violette in the territory, which is planned for replacement by a new PCG-NG patrol boat.