Communes of the Guadeloupe department facts for kids
Guadeloupe is a beautiful group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is a part of France, even though it's far away! Like many countries, France divides its land into smaller areas. These areas are called communes. Think of them as towns, cities, or local districts.
Each commune in Guadeloupe has its own local government. This government helps manage things like schools, roads, and local services. The leader of a commune is called a mayor. Mayors are elected by the people living in their commune.
Contents
What is a Commune?
A commune is the smallest type of administrative area in France. It is like a local town or district. Each commune has a name, a specific area, and a number of people living there. The mayor and a local council run the commune. They make decisions about local life.
Guadeloupe: A French Caribbean Gem
Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France. This means it is fully part of France, but it is located far from mainland Europe. It is in the Lesser Antilles island chain in the Caribbean. The main islands of Guadeloupe look a bit like a butterfly. They are called Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre.
Basse-Terre is the more mountainous island. It has a volcano called La Soufrière. Grande-Terre is flatter and has many beautiful beaches. People in Guadeloupe speak French and Antillean Creole.
The Communes of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe has 32 communes. Each one is unique. They range from busy cities to quiet villages. The largest commune by population is Les Abymes. It is home to many people and is a lively place. The capital city of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre. It is also a commune and an important center for the islands.
Each commune has an INSEE Code and a Postal Code. These are special numbers used to identify the commune. The INSEE Code is like a unique ID for the commune. The Postal Code helps with mail delivery.
Here are some examples of communes in Guadeloupe:
- Les Abymes: This is the most populated commune. It is a very active area.
- Basse-Terre: This is the capital city of Guadeloupe. It is on the island of Basse-Terre.
- Le Gosier: This commune is known for its lovely beaches and tourist spots.
- Sainte-Anne: Another popular commune with beautiful coastlines.
Each of these communes plays an important role in the daily life of Guadeloupe. They help organize local services and represent the people who live there.
Former Communes
Sometimes, administrative areas change. In 2007, two communes that were once part of Guadeloupe became separate overseas collectivities of France. These were:
- Saint-Barthélemy
- Saint-Martin
They are now independent from Guadeloupe. They have their own local governments.
Images for kids
-
Guadeloupe from above, showing its unique butterfly shape.
-
A map showing the islands of Guadeloupe.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Comunas de Guadalupe para niños
