an overseas region of France in theECaribbean, in the Leeward Islands, formed by the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre and several offlying islands; in 2007 the island of Saint-Barthélemy and the part-island dependency of Saint-Martin were separated from Guadeloupe to become Overseas Collectivities directly subordinate to France. Capital: Basse-Terre. Pop: 405 500 (2007 est). Area: 1780 sq km (687 sqmiles)