Ruth Yoles has written:

'Easy as... cake' -- subject(s): Baking, Cake

Martinique's current capital is Fort-de-France, but Saint-Pierre, also known as le Petit Paris of the West Indies, was the island's rich and glamorous capital until May 8, 1902, when Mount Pelée erupted to kill about 30,000 people in the city within 3 minutes. Only a prisoner protected by his cell walls survived the catastrophe.

Some of Martinique's beautiful sights include the yoles rondes, the traditional fishing boats also used for racing. People from across the globe come to watch the boats' "natuical ballet."

The islanders speak French and créole, a mix of French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, and African languages.