Saint Martin

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Your vacations in Saint Martin

Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km east of Puerto Rico. The 87 km² island is divided roughly in half between France (53 km²) and the Netherlands Antilles (34 km²); it’s the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations, a division dating to 1648. The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island area of St. Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The northern French half comprises the Collectivité de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is an overseas collectivity of France.

The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side).

Although this island is controlled by two different countries, there is no real border. There are only monuments and signs that delineate the border. Over 350 years ago, the two countries decided that residents of either country could travel across both sides of the border without any trouble. The two countries live peacefully without difficulties, which increases tourism.

The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, is much more heavily developed than the French portion of the island. It has become a leading destination in the real estate market, with more and more developments being constructed. There are high-rise condominiums and waterfront communities, all of which are popular to buyers, especially Americans.

Official language

Dutch; however, English, Spanish, French and Papiamento (a local language) are also spoken.

Currency

Saint Martin (french side) uses the Euro. Sint Maarten uses the Netherland Antiles Guilder. US dollar is widely accepted.

Electricity

Sint Maarten,(dutch side) 120 volts, 50 cycles. Saint Martin (french side) 220 volts, 60 cycles

Shopping

You will find the best prices on local crafts and arts, exotic foods, jewelry, liquor, tobacco, leather goods, as well as most elegant designer goods. Duty-free and tax-free bargains abound.