Choosing a Destination: St. Maarten

The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest space to be shared by two countries. For over three centuries, these Caribbean countries have co-existed so peacefully that a visitor can cross borders from one nation to the other without realizing it.

St. Maarten, the Dutch half of this divided island, is home to more than seventy nationalities, and is one of the most well developed islands in the Caribbean. Development came quickly to St. Maarten. Philipsburg, its capital, is a hub for cruise lines and duty-free shopping. But despite the recent economic and developmental boom in the port and city area, St. Maarten still boasts 36 beaches with strikingly white sand. For more information on St. Maarten, check out the CIA World Factbook for the Netherlands Antilles.

St. Maarten: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The official currency of St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Florin (Naf), sometimes called a guilder, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity	St. Maarten uses the same electrical system as the U.S. (110-volt). Visitors should plan accordingly.
GDP Per Capita	The average per capita income is approximately $11,400(USD).
Island Size	The Dutch half of this island is about 13.1 square miles in area.
Language	Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten, but Papiamento, Spanish, and English are also spoken.
Population	The island is home to about 50,300 residents; in addition, there are 402,600 visitors annually, 48 percent of whom are from the U.S.

Getting There

Generally, travelers arrive via Princess Juliana Airport, the second busiest airport in the Caribbean. Direct flights are available from the U.S. and Canada. Flights from outside of North America typically connect through San Juan (Puerto Rico). Princess Juliana hosts many international carriers, including but not limited to, Air France, American Airlines, American Eagle, BWIA, Continental Airlines, Corse Air International, Caribbean Star, DCA, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LIAT, St. Barth's Commuter, U.S. Airways, Windward Express Airways, and Windward Island Airways.

Taxis are available for transport from the airport to hotels and resorts. Fares from Princess Juliana Airport are approximately $6(USD) to Maho Beach, and $12(USD) to Philipsburg. Fares are higher between 10:00 p.m. and Midnight.

Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens can visit St. Maarten with two forms of government-issued ID, but a valid passport is very strongly preferred. A valid passport is required for all other visitors, including those from the Caribbean. All visitors must also show an ongoing or return ticket.

Climate

The island as a whole experiences about 42.3 inches of rain per year, making it one of the more tropical islands in the Caribbean. Temperatures are pleasant and mild year round, with January temperatures ranging from 73 to 81, and July temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 (all in degrees Fahrenheit).

Geography

St. Maarten is the southern half of an island shared by the Dutch and French. Its beaches lie on the Caribbean Sea, while the French half hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Both countries share the Simpson Bay Lagoon. St Maarten is the smaller half of the island, with just 13.1 square miles.

Health and Safety

It's best to avoid night driving on St. Maarten, and even wiser to avoid deserted, poorly lit back roads at night. Isolated beaches are usually isolated for a reason - don't go out seeking an adventure. Travelers are advised to use the buddy system. Beyond that, follow basic safety rules of traveling, such as keeping an eye on your possessions. The water is safe to drink throughout the island, and shouldn't cause any upset stomachs.

People

The people of St. Maarten represent the island's culturally diverse heritage. The influences of Dutch, French, British and African ancestors can be seen in the smiling faces that inhabit St. Maarten, and the languages vistors will encounter here are no less varied. Officially, Dutch is the language of St. Maarten, but schoolchildren are required to learn English and a large number also speak Spanish or French.

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