<P> Use of Creole is predominant among friends and close family . Though it is normally not used in professional situations, members of the media and politicians have begun to use it more frequently as a way to redeem national identity and prevent cultural assimilation by mainland France . Indeed, unlike other varieties of French creole such as Mauritian Creole, Martinican Creole is not readily understood by speakers of Standard French due to significant differences in grammar, syntax, vocabulary and pronunciation, though over the years it has progressively adapted features of Standard French . </P> <P> An estimated 90% of residents are Roman Catholic; 5% are Hindu and another 5% practice other faiths, including Protestantism, African belief systems, Judaism, or are non-religious . </P> <P> As an overseas département of France, Martinique's culture blends French and Caribbean influences . The city of Saint - Pierre (destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée), was often referred to as the "Paris of the Lesser Antilles". Following traditional French custom, many businesses close at midday to allow a lengthy lunch, then reopen later in the afternoon . </P> <P> Today, Martinique has a higher standard of living than most other Caribbean countries . French products are easily available, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain . Studying in the métropole (mainland France, especially Paris) is common for young adults . Martinique has been a vacation hotspot for many years, attracting both upper - class French and more budget - conscious travelers . </P>

What city in martinque is known as the paris of the lesser antilles