When one looks at all these different measures, one is prompted to wonder what their impact has been on the socio-econom
ic situation of the four overseas departments. Analyses carried out last year when the report on the economic and social development of the regions of the Union wa
s being drafted are revealing in this respect. Growth in the overseas regions has been firm, and despite the rising population, this has brought about an increase in per-capita income that is faster than the average for the Community as a whole: the four de
...[+++]partments stood at 41% of the Community average in 1986; they are currently close to 47%, so closing the gap to some extent.
les régions d'outre-mer ont connu une croissance soutenue qui, malgré la pression démographique forte, a permis en dix ans une progression du revenu par habitant plus rapide que pour la moyenne des régions de la Communauté : alors qu'en 1986, les quatre départements se situaient à 41 % de la moyenne communautaire, ils atteignent actuellement près de 47 %, reflétant une certaine convergence.