The Canton of La Désirade was a former administrative division of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. It existed until the nationwide cantonal reorganisation that took effect in March 2015.
Geographical location
The canton comprised the entire island of La Désirade, situated in the easternmost part of the Guadeloupe archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The island is part of the commune of La Désirade, which serves as the sole municipal entity within the canton.
Administrative composition
- Department: Guadeloupe (Département d’outre‑mer)
- Arrondissement: Pointe‑à‑Pitre
- Commune(s): La Désirade (the only commune in the canton)
Demographics and area
According to the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the canton had a population of 1,621 inhabitants in 2012. The island covers an area of approximately 22 km² (8.5 sq mi). Population density was therefore around 74 inhabitants per km².
Historical context
The cantonal system in Guadeloupe, as in metropolitan France, was established to serve as electoral districts for the election of councilors to the departmental council. The Canton of La Désirade functioned as such a constituency. In the 2015 reform, the number of cantons in Guadeloupe was reduced, and the Canton of La Désirade was dissolved. Its territory was incorporated into the newly created Canton of Saint‑François, which now represents the island for departmental elections.
Political representation
Prior to its dissolution, the canton elected one councilor to the General Council of Guadeloupe (Conseil général). Election results and the names of councilors for specific terms are recorded in departmental archives.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2012”, legal populations of French communes.
- Décret n° 2014‑235 du 24 février 2014 portant délimitation des cantons dans le département de la Guadeloupe.
- Official Gazette of the French Republic, 2015, reorganisation of cantonal boundaries.
Current status
Since 2015, the former canton no longer exists as an administrative entity. The island of La Désirade is now represented within the Canton of Saint‑François for departmental council elections.