Pointe-à-Pitre (French pronunciation: [pwɛ̃tapitʁ]; Guadeloupean Creole: Pwentapit, [pwɛ̃tapit], or simply Lapwent, [lapwɛ̃t]) is the second most populous commune of Guadeloupe (after Les Abymes).

Guadeloupe is an overseas region and department of France located in the Lesser Antilles, of which it is a sous-préfecture, being the seat of the Arrondissement of Pointe-à-Pitre.

However, this theory is now questioned by linguists, with a derivation from the Spanish word "pitera", meaning a type of rope made from agave, suggested as the true etymon of "pitre".

[4] French colonial authorities had long thought about establishing a city on the current location of Pointe-à-Pitre, at the junction of Guadeloupe's two main 'island' districts (Basse-Terre Island and Grande Terre), but several attempts around 1713-1730 failed due to the insalubrious swampy ground.

Its location and large sheltered port have nonetheless allowed Pointe-à-Pitre to become Guadeloupe's largest city and economic capital.

The eleven communes making up the urban area of Pointe-à-Pitre,[9] with their populations in 2017,[10] are: The city is the commercial capital of Guadeloupe, serving as the main port of call for cargo and passengers alike.

The main exports are food crops (bananas, cocoa, coffee and sugar), animal products (beef, milk, yogurt) and manufactured goods (refined petroleum, textiles and medicines).

The extensive Zone Industrielle de Jarry, directly west of Pointe-à-Pitre is a major centre of commercial and light industrial activity, notably for warehousing and distribution.