What does the term Creole mean in descriptions of Guadeloupe’s population?

In the context of Guadeloupe, the term Creole primarily refers to persons born in the islands. Most individuals identified as Creoles in Guadeloupe are of mixed African and European ancestry.1

The term has a complex history and its meaning can vary significantly by region. While it historically denoted descendants of European settlers in the West Indies, it is now often used more broadly to describe people who are part of the Caribbean culture, regardless of their specific ancestry or social class. In addition to its use as a demographic descriptor, the term also refers to the local creole language that is widely spoken throughout the islands alongside the official language, French.2314