Many travelers believe that visiting this peculiar island can help them achieve their desired height.
We tend to grow taller when we are young but stop developing once we reach adulthood. However, this rule has its exceptions. In fact, there is a unique island in the world where even adults can experience an increase in height!
Martinique is located in the volcanic Lesser Antilles archipelago, in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Covering an area of 1,128 km2, the island has a population of approximately 400,000 residents.
This island has been a French colony since 1635. However, it was named by the famous explorer Christopher Columbus after he discovered it in 1493.
This island has been a French colony since 1635.
Originally, the island was named “Jouanacaëra – Matinino”. According to historian Sydney Daney, the name “Jouanacaëra” was given by the indigenous Carib people, meaning “the island of the iguanas.”
After Columbus’s discovery, the island was renamed Madinina, meaning “the island of flowers,” to celebrate its beauty. The name was changed to Martinica in 1502 and eventually became known as Martinique due to the influence of French colonialism.
Martinique is praised as one of the most attractive islands in the Caribbean. This is because it boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters alongside lush rainforests rich in biodiversity.
The location of Martinique on the map.
The island is described as a paradise for nature lovers and sun-seekers. Martinique also attracts tourists with its charming French flair. It is often regarded as the France of the Caribbean, featuring elegant and luxurious restaurants, shopping centers, and urban designs that reflect French culture.
One particularly noticeable aspect of the island is… the height of its residents. The people of Martinique possess impressive heights, with men averaging 1.9 meters and women 1.74 meters. In fact, here, a young man shorter than 1.8 meters might be teased as “short.”
Along with the remarkable height of its residents, this island is also famous for its miraculous ability to make tourists grow taller. This phenomenon is likened to a miracle of the island.
Martinique also attracts tourists with its charming French vibe.
It is said that every ten years, all the people on the island, both men and women, will suddenly grow a few centimeters taller. There are rumors of a man who moved here after adulthood and, after two years, actually grew taller.
Many researchers have visited to investigate the cause of this mysterious phenomenon. Some believe that there exists a type of non-toxic radiation on the island that affects the thyroid gland, stimulating height growth. However, the mystery surrounding this phenomenon remains unsolved.
This place is known as the “paradise for the short.”
In reality, not only humans but also the flora and fauna on the island exhibit astonishing growth rates. Since 1948, species of ants, flies, beetles, lizards, and snakes living in Martinique have been reported to show unusual growth every few years.
The rats on the island are also unusually large. It is not uncommon to find a rat as big as a cat. This has led to an increasing number of tourists visiting in hopes of… gaining a few centimeters in height themselves. This is also why the island is referred to as the “paradise for the short.”
Theories Explaining the Strange Phenomenon
Curious about this strange phenomenon, scientists have set out to discover why the island’s residents are so tall.
After a period of research, experts proposed the following hypothesis:
The cause lies in the black spar crystals from Martinique. The island contains a significant amount of radioactive minerals. These radioactive minerals may cause organic changes in the human body and stimulate growth.
This is a non-toxic type of radiation that can affect the thyroid gland to promote height growth. The height development effect of radioactive minerals may also influence visiting tourists and cause them to grow taller. However, the mystery surrounding this phenomenon remains unsolved.
In addition to their impressive height, the people of Martinique have a peculiar custom of never bowing down. This custom stems from the legend of the chief of Martinique.
When invaded by French troops and ordered to bow down for them to ride on, he resolutely refused, stating: “The people of Martinique must always stand tall, never bow down.” This belief has become ingrained in the minds of the locals and has become a way of life for them.
However, it is also considered an unusual custom because sometimes valuable items or money may fall to the ground, and the people of Martinique do not bend down to pick them up. Instead, they use a bamboo stick placed behind their back to retrieve those items while maintaining an upright posture.
Every year, Martinique welcomes thousands of tourists.
About ¼ of the population lives in the capital, Fort de France. There are many religions present in Martinique. The official language is French, although the locals also speak Creole, a language that blends French, English, and African influences.
With its stunning beauty and miraculous wonders, Martinique attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to enjoy its famous rum, relax by the beach, and truly savor their vacation.
Martinique is a paradise not only for those seeking relaxation but also for sports enthusiasts and outdoor activities. Whether on the island or on the surrounding waters, Martinique offers a plethora of activities that will keep tourists entertained.
Martinique will inspire you with its tropical forests (which include 4 recognized species occupying at least 47% of the island’s area). The panoramic views of this island, the stunning waters of Martinique, and its neighboring islands will undoubtedly evoke unique emotions as you explore.
If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss this beautiful island, as who knows, after your vacation here, you might just grow a few extra centimeters!
