pop (2000e) 209 000; area 585 km²/226 sq mi. One of the two main islands of the Overseas Department of Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, E Caribbean; chief town, Pointe-à-Pitre; of coral formation, rising to only 150 m/500 ft; agriculture, especially sugar cane; tourism.
The main part of Guadeloupe consists of two islands separated by a salt river and whose combined shape resembles a butterfly. The western island is Basse-Terre and the eastern island is Grande-Terre.
Grande-Terre's indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs and the island itself is a limestone plateau. Of the two islands, Grande-Terre is home to the majority of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.
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