Fort-de-France, city in western Martinique, capital and seaport of the island, on the Bay of Fort-de-France, in the French West Indes. It is the island's commercial center, with a fine, landlocked harbor defended by three forts. Its chief exports are sugar, rum, and canned fruits. A statue of Napoleon's wife, Empress Joséphine, who was born in Martinique, is in a public garden in the city. Once called Fort-Royal, the city became economically important after the eruption of Montagne Pelée destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre in 1902. Population 101,540 (1990).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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