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HRsolution » COUNTRIES » Guadeloupe

  1. Population

    Guadeloupe has around 400,000 inhabitants (as of 2023). The population is predominantly composed of descendants of African slaves, with smaller minorities of European and Indian descent.

  2. Capital

    The capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre, located on the western of the two main islands. However, the largest urban area and economic hub is Pointe-à-Pitre.

  3. Economic Power

    Guadeloupe’s economy is heavily dependent on France and is part of the European economic zone. Key sectors include tourism, agriculture (particularly sugarcane and bananas), and services. Despite local agricultural production, the region relies on imported goods. The GDP per capita was approximately 23,000 USD in 2022, which is below the French average but higher than many Caribbean states.

  4. Culture

    Guadeloupean culture is a blend of African, French, Indian, and Caribbean influences. The music and dance scene is vibrant, featuring genres such as Zouk, Gwo Ka, and Calypso. Traditional celebrations like Carnival and religious festivals are significant. Guadeloupe is predominantly Catholic, and Christian holidays and festivities are deeply embedded in local culture.

  5. Currency

    Guadeloupe uses the Euro (EUR), as it is part of France and the European Union.

  6. Health Insurance and Social Security System

    As an overseas region of France, Guadeloupe follows the French social security system. Health insurance is mandatory and funded by contributions from both employers and employees. Citizens have access to the French healthcare system, considered one of the best in the world. This includes health insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other social safety nets.

  7. Employer Costs

    Employers in Guadeloupe are required to pay the same social security contributions as those in mainland France. These cover pensions, health insurance, and unemployment insurance. Employer contributions typically range from 30% to 40% of employees’ gross wages.

  8. Salary and Bonuses

    Salary levels are similar to those in France, but due to higher living costs in overseas territories like Guadeloupe, many public sector workers receive overseas allowances. The minimum wage (SMIC) is around 1,747 euros per month (as of 2023). While bonuses, such as a 13th-month salary or holiday bonuses, are not legally mandated, they may be offered through collective agreements or individual contracts.

  9. Payroll

    Payroll in Guadeloupe follows the French system, with deductions for social security, pension contributions, and taxes. Employees also contribute to health insurance and pension funds.

  10. Public Holidays

    Guadeloupe celebrates several public holidays, including:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Easter Monday
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • VE Day (May 8)
  • Bastille Day (July 14)
  • Assumption Day (August 15)
  • All Saints’ Day (November 1)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Additional local holidays: Good Friday (especially in French overseas territories), Regional Abolition Day (May 27)

  1. Working Hours

    As in France, the legal working hours in Guadeloupe are 35 hours per week. Overtime must be compensated, typically at a rate of 25% for the first eight hours and 50% for additional hours.

  2. Vacation

    Employees are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation per year, similar to France. Additionally, public holidays are granted as paid days off, with some variation depending on the region.

  3. Sick Leave

    In the event of illness, employees are entitled to continued salary payments from the employer for a period that depends on the length of their employment. After this period, social security provides sick pay, which may cover up to 50% of the regular salary, with additional coverage available through private insurance.

  4. Termination/Severance

    Notice periods and severance pay in Guadeloupe follow French labor laws. Depending on the length of employment, the notice period can range from one to three months. Employees are entitled to severance pay in cases of redundancy or unjustified dismissal, calculated based on their length of service and last salary.

Guadeloupe’s close integration into the French and European economic and social systems provides a higher degree of social security than many other Caribbean countries. The island’s culture and way of life are a unique fusion of French and Caribbean traditions.

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