Martinique History and Culture. The People origin and Custom. Most of Martinique's population is descended from African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations during the colonial era. Today, the island enjoys a higher standard of living than most other Caribbean countries. The finest French products are easily available, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain. Among young people, going to study in France is common. For the French, Martinique has been a vacation hotspot for many years, attracting both the upper class and more budget-conscious travelers. With all the interchange between the two regions, the people of Martinique are every bit as chic and sophisticated as their counterparts from the mainland.