St. Maarten / St. Martin is one of the most unique destinations in the caribbean for many different reasons. The first and most notable being that it's a dual nation. That's right DUAL. St. Maarten is both French and Dutch with it's mother countries being France and Holland respectively. This amazing destination is home to over 80 different nations with immigrants from East, West and even North and South. Even with a mixed population it's one of the most friendly islands in the caribbean.St. Maarten attracts different people for different reasons, from those wishing to relocate for hope of a better life, to those vacationing and then of course you have the wise guys which are those taking advantage of the many attractive investment opportunities that this unique rock has to offer.But before most travellers jump on a plane they first do their research which is probably what brought you to this site. Well guess what you've come to the right place. This is the most complete information site making sure that all readers are absolutely informed on everything that St. Maarten has to offer. So whether your plans are relocating, vacationing or investing this is the right blog for you. Here you'll get a sneak preview of what makes this place such an exciting destination, from parties to beaches, restaurants, casinos, real estate, beautiful weather and even the amazing Princess Juliana International Airport with 747s landing right above the head of those sunbathing on Maho Beach. Read and enjoy and be sure to post all your questions and comments.
Facts about St Maarten/St Martin
St. Maarten is the smallest Island in the world shared by two sovereign governments, the Dutch and French. The Dutch side, is 17 square miles of this 37-square-mile island,with Philipsburg its capital occuping the southern end; St. Martin, occupies the northern half of the frenchside. The dual nationality adds variety to this most unique of island gems in the Caribbean Sea. Both Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin have maintained a peaceful coexistence for over 350 years, the longest of any two bordering nations. The two territories have enjoyed harmonious relations through their history and have shared the prosperity of many years without dispute. The Treaty of Concordia executed on March 23rd 1648 established this coexistence and has the unique distinction of being the oldest Treaty still in force today.
As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch St. Maarten has been both politically and economically stable. The territory is not only a safe and pleasant place to do business, but also to establish roots and raise a family. The total population has grown from 13,156 in 1980 to nearly 39,000 in year 2000. It is estimated that the population of St. Maarten consists of 77 different nationalities. The native languages are English and Dutch.
Location/Size
The island is in the Caribbean Sea, 18.02 latitude and 63.07 longitude, 150 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. it covers 37 square miles, with Dutch St. Maarten on the South spanning 16 square miles and French Saint Martin on the North covering 21. The island is the smallest landmass to be shared by two separate governments. The Capital Philipsburg on Great Bay is the capital of St. Maarten, Marigot the capital of French Saint Martin.
Nationalities
St. Maarten is part of the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has 140 different nationalities. Saint Martin is a commune of Guadeloupe, an overseas territory of France.
Languages
English is spoken everywhere, but Dutch is the official language of St.Maarten, and French the official language of Saint Martin. Throughout the island, you will hear Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian, Hindi, Chinese, and other languages. On the French side, Creole Patois is also spoken.
Population
41,000 people live on St.Maarten and 36,000 on Saint Martin.
Climate
Sunny and warm year-round, with some cooling from trade winds. Average temperature during the winter season is 80F (27C) and a few degrees warmer anymore humid in the summer. Occasional showers in late summer and early fall, with average annual rainfall of 45 inches.
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