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 was being drafted are revealing in this respect. Growth in the overseas regions has been firm, and despite the rising populatio
n, this has brought about an increase in per- ...[+++]capita income that is faster than the average for the Community as a whole: the four departments 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.