Editing Saint Martin (island)

{{Short description|Small island in the Caribbean}}
{{About|the Caribbean island|the French side of the island|Collectivity of Saint Martin|the Dutch side of the island|Sint Maarten|other uses|Saint Martin (disambiguation){{!}}Saint Martin}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox islands
| name             = Saint Martin
| image_name       = Saint Martin map.svg
| image_caption    = 
| image_size       = 
| map_image        = Saint Martin in its region.svg
| map_caption      = 
| native_name      = {{native name|nl|Sint Maarten}}<br />{{native name|fr|Saint-Martin}}
| native_name_link = 
| nickname         = ''The Friendly Island''
| location         = Caribbean
| coordinates      = {{Coord|18.06|N|63.05|W|type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| archipelago      = [[Leeward Islands]],<br />[[Lesser Antilles]],<br />[[Antilles]], [[West Indies]]
| total_islands    = 
| major_islands    = 
| area_km2         = 88
| length_km        = 
| width_km         = 
| highest_mount    = [[Pic Paradis]]
| elevation_m      = 424
| country                          = [[France|French Republic]]
| country_admin_divisions_title    = [[Overseas collectivity]]
| country_admin_divisions          = [[Collectivity of Saint Martin|Saint Martin]]
| country_capital_and_largest_city = [[Marigot, Saint Martin|Marigot]]
| country_largest_city_population  = 5788
| country_capital_type             = settlement
| country_area_km2                 = 53<ref name=Saint_Martin_land_area>{{cite web |url=http://www.saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr/content/download/6669/37749/file/3_Note%20M%C3%A9thodologique.pdf |title=Mise à jour du plan de prévention des risques naturels de la collectivité territoriale de Saint-Martin |page=14 |publisher=[[Cabinet of France|Government of France]] |website=Preferecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=fr |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617001339/http://www.saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr/content/download/6669/37749/file/3_Note%20M%C3%A9thodologique.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| country1                         = [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]]<!-- To avoid confusion with the country "Netherlands" (of which Sint Maarten is not a part), please use the sovereign state "Kingdom of the Netherlands" (of which it is a part) -->
| country1_admin_divisions_title   = [[Kingdom of the Netherlands#Constituent countries|Constituent country]]
| country1_admin_divisions         = [[Sint Maarten]]
| country1_capital                 = [[Philipsburg, Sint Maarten|Philipsburg]] (pop. 1,900)
| country1_largest_city            = [[Lower Prince's Quarter]]
| country1_largest_city_population = 8,123
| country1_capital_type            = settlement
| country1_area_km2                = 34<ref name=Sint_Maarten_land_area>{{cite web |url=http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/downloads/YearBook/Statistical_Yearbook_2017.pdf |title=Statistical yearbook 2017 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Sint Maarten |access-date=21 February 2022 }}</ref>
| population       = 73,777<ref name=Sint_Maarten_population>{{cite web |url=http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/downloads/LFS/Population_Estimates_and_Vital_Statistics_2021.pdf |title=Population Estimates and Vital Statistics 2021 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Sint Maarten |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518222043/http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/downloads/LFS/Population_Estimates_and_Vital_Statistics_2021.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Saint_Martin_population>{{cite web |url=https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/6013871?sommaire=6011075 |title=Populations légales des collectivités d'outre-mer en 2019 |publisher=[[Cabinet of France|Government of France]] |website=[[Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques|INSEE]] |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=fr |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502122241/https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/6013871?sommaire=6011075 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_as_of = Jan. 2019
| density_km2      = 847
| demonym          = Saint Martiner;<ref name="House of Nehesi Publishers">{{cite news |url=http://houseofnehesipublish.com/sxm/2002/08/29/12th-anniversary-of-st-martins-unity-flag-observed-saturday-on-conscious-lyrics-students-raise-money-for-unity-bumper-stickers/ |title=12th anniversary of St. Martin's "Unity Flag" observed Saturday on Conscious Lyrics; students raise money for unity bumper stickers |publisher=House of Nehesi Publishers |date=29 August 2002 |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204021804/http://houseofnehesipublish.com/sxm/2002/08/29/12th-anniversary-of-st-martins-unity-flag-observed-saturday-on-conscious-lyrics-students-raise-money-for-unity-bumper-stickers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>{{native name|fr|Saint-Martinois}};<br/>{{native name|nl|Sint Maartener}}
| ethnic_groups    = [[Afro-Caribbean]], [[White Caribbeans|European]], [[Indo-Caribbean|Indian]], [[Latino (demonym)|Latino]], [[Chinese Caribbeans|Chinese]], and mixed
}}
'''Saint Martin'''{{efn|{{langx|fr|Saint-Martin}}; {{langx|nl|Sint Maarten}}}} is an island in [[Leeward Islands]] of the [[Lesser Antilles]] in the northeastern [[Caribbean]], approximately {{cvt|300|km|mi}} east of [[Puerto Rico]]. The {{cvt|87|km2|mi2|adj=on}} island is divided roughly 60:40 between the [[France|French Republic]] ({{cvt|53|km2|mi2|disp=or}})<ref name=Saint_Martin_land_area /> and the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]] ({{cvt|34|km2|mi2|disp=or}}),<ref name=Sint_Maarten_land_area /> but the Dutch part is more populated than the French. Divided since 1648, the northern French part comprises the [[Collectivity of Saint Martin]] and is an [[overseas collectivity]] of the French Republic. The southern Dutch part comprises [[Sint Maarten]] and is one of [[Kingdom of the Netherlands#Constituent countries|four constituent countries]] that form the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]]. Even though the island is an overseas possession of two [[European Union]] member states, only the French part of the island is part of the EU.<ref>{{CELEX|id=02016ME/TXT-20240901|text=Consolidated text: Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Status Caribisch gebied |url=https://netherlands.representation.ec.europa.eu/over-ons/status-caribisch-gebied_nl |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=netherlands.representation.ec.europa.eu |language=nl |archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223063351/https://netherlands.representation.ec.europa.eu/over-ons/status-caribisch-gebied_nl |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 January 2019, the population of the whole island was 73,777 inhabitants, with 41,177 living on the Dutch side<ref name=Sint_Maarten_population /> and 32,489 on the French side.<ref name=Saint_Martin_population /> Note that the figure for the French side is based on censuses that took place after the devastation of [[Hurricane Irma]] in September 2017, whereas the figure for the Dutch side is only a post-censal estimate still based on the 2011 census. The first census since Hurricane Irma on the Dutch side of the island took place in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sint Maarten to start population census 2022 {{!}} Loop Caribbean News |url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/sint-maarten-start-population-census-2022 |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Loop News |language=en |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092410/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/sint-maarten-start-population-census-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> The population of the island on 1 January 2017, before Hurricane Irma, was 75,869 (40,535 on the Dutch side,<ref name=Sint_Maarten_population /> 35,334 on the French side<ref name=pop_2017>{{cite web |url=https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/4265419?sommaire=4265511 |title=Populations légales des collectivités d'outre-mer en 2017 |publisher=[[Cabinet of France|Government of France]] |website=[[Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques|INSEE]] |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=fr |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804001536/https://insee.fr/fr/statistiques/4265419?sommaire=4265511 |url-status=live }}</ref>).

The island's pre-colonial names include {{lang|awd|Oualichi}} ([[Arawak]]an, meaning 'the island of women') and {{lang|crb|Soualiga}} ([[Kalinago]], meaning 'the island of salt').<ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Martin |work=The Caribbean Pet |url=http://www.thecaribbeanpet.com/st-martin/ |access-date=6 March 2021 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092255/http://www.thecaribbeanpet.com/st-martin/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=History of St Maarten |url=https://www.visitstmaarten.com/about-st-maarten/history/ |website=Visit St Maarten |access-date=24 August 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092335/https://www.visitstmaarten.com/about-st-maarten/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Collectively, the two territories are known as "Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten", or sometimes "SXM", the [[International Air Transport Association|IATA]] identifier for [[Princess Juliana International Airport]], the island's main airport. St. Martin (the French portion) received the [[ISO 3166-1]] code MF in October 2007.<ref>ISO 3166-1 Newsletter.[http://www.iso.org/iso/newsletter_vi-1.pdf Assignment of code elements for Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin and update of France and other French Territories.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228075118/http://www.iso.org/iso/newsletter_vi-1.pdf |date=28 December 2016 }}</ref> In 2010, the Dutch part had its status changed to that of a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and was given the code SX.<ref>ISO 3166-1 Newsletter. [http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/updates_on_iso_3166.htm Code elements for Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, and Saba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part), update of other territories and minor corrections.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524082102/http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/updates_on_iso_3166.htm |date=24 May 2016 }}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Saint-Martin Island topographic map-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Map of Saint Martin]]
Saint Martin has a land area of {{cvt|87|km2}}, {{cvt|53|km2}} of which is under the sovereignty of the French Republic,<ref name=Saint_Martin_land_area /> and {{cvt|34|km2}} under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Geography St Martin island – locate st martin island in the Caribbean – St Martin west indies sxm – tourism board st martin |url=http://www.stmartinisland.org/destination-st-martin/geography-st-martin.html |website=www.stmartinisland.org-gb |access-date=15 September 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092400/https://www.st-martin.org/us/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This is the only land [[France–Netherlands border|border]] shared by the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The main cities are [[Philipsburg, Sint Maarten|Philipsburg]] on the Dutch side and [[Marigot, St. Martin|Marigot]] on the French side. The Dutch side is more heavily populated. The most populous settlement on the entire island is [[Lower Prince's Quarter]], which is on the Dutch side.

The highest hilltop is the [[Pic Paradis]] ({{cvt|424|m|disp=comma}}) in the centre of a hill chain on the French side. Both sides are hilly with large mountain peaks. This forms a valley where many houses are located. There are no rivers on the island, but there are many dry gullies. Hiking trails give access to the [[dry forest]] that covers tops and slopes. The 1648 [[Treaty of Concordia]] was signed on the hill lying on the international border between Marigot and Philipsburg, now known as Mount Concordia, Concordia Hill, or {{lang|fr|Mont des Accords|}}.

The island is located south of [[Anguilla]] and is separated from that British overseas territory by the [[Anguilla Channel]]. Saint Martin is northwest of [[Saint Barthélemy]] and is separated from that French overseas collectivity by the [[Saint-Barthélemy Channel]].

Neighbouring islands include [[Saint Barthélemy]] (French), [[Anguilla]] (British), [[Saba (island)|Saba]] (Dutch), [[Sint Eustatius]] "Statia" (Dutch), and [[Saint Kitts]] and [[Nevis]] (independent, formerly British). With the exception of Nevis, all of these islands are easily visible on a clear day from St. Martin.

==History==
{{Main|History of Saint Martin|French West Indies|Dutch Caribbean}}
[[File: Marigot flags St Martin.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Flags flying in Marigot harbour, Saint-Martin]]
[[File:Flag of Saint Martin island (Unification flag).svg|thumb|Saint Martin Unity Flag]]
It is commonly believed that [[Christopher Columbus]] named the island in honour of [[Saint Martin of Tours]] when he encountered it on his second voyage of discovery. However, he actually applied the name to the island now called [[Nevis]] when he anchored offshore on 11 November 1493, the feast day of Saint Martin. The confusion of numerous poorly charted small islands in the [[Leeward Islands]] meant that this name was accidentally transferred to the island now known as Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hubbard |first1=Vincent K. |title=A History of St Kitts |date=2002 |publisher=MacMillan Caribbean |isbn=0333747607 |page=[https://archive.org/details/historyofstkitts00vinc/page/13 13] |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofstkitts00vinc |url-access=registration }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Morison |first1=Samuel Eliot |title=The European Discovery of America, The Southern Voyages |url=https://archive.org/details/europeandiscover00mori_2 |url-access=registration |date=1974 |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=[https://archive.org/details/europeandiscover00mori_2/page/108 108]-109 }}</ref>

After jointly reclaiming the island, on 23 March 1648, the [[History of France|Kingdom of France]] and the [[Dutch Republic]] agreed to divide the island between their two territories, and created a formal border with the signing of the [[Treaty of Concordia]]. Later conflicts resulted in 16 border changes over the years, but it has been stable since 1816.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/one-island-two-countries/ |title=One Island, Two Countries |date=24 April 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |author=Frank Jacobs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001162818/http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/one-island-two-countries/ |archive-date=1 October 2019 }}</ref><ref name=NewUniversalGeography>{{Cite book |author=Satur Abón Pérez |year=1980 |title=''Nueva Geografía Universal'', Tomo IX, América. (New Universal Geography, Volume IX, America) |page=19 |publisher=Promexa |isbn=978-84-7113-130-0 |oclc=1097733586 }}</ref> The French side has {{convert|21|sqmi|km2}} and the Dutch side, {{convert|16|sqmi|km2}}.
[[File: Border monument 2008.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Crossing from St. Martin to Sint Maarten, dedicated in 2008]]
[[File:SaintMartin2021OSM.png|thumb|Enlargeable, detailed map of Saint Martin]]

==Politics==
{{See also|Unification of Saint Martin}}
There currently is a movement [[Unification of Saint Martin|aiming to unite the Dutch and French halves]] of the island of Saint Martin.<ref name=":0"/> A "[[:File:Unity Flag St Martin.svg|Unity Flag]]" for representing this unification was created in 1990.<ref name="House of Nehesi Publishers"/>

Currently, the island is divided into [[Sint Maarten]] (the southern half of the island, part of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands|Netherlands]]) and the [[Collectivity of Saint Martin]] (the northern half of the island, part of France). The island has been divided since the signing of the [[Treaty of Concordia]] in 1648, which today remains as one of the oldest treaties still in effect. Unification of the island enjoys support 

from the population of both halves.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=http://houseofnehesipublish.com/sxm/2004/12/25/the-reunification-of-st-martin-a-pipe-dream-or-an-inevitable-choice-by-fabian-adekunle-badejo/ |title=The reunification of St. Martin: A pipe dream or an inevitable choice? |first=Fabian Adekunle |last=Badejo |publisher=House of Nehesi Publishers |date=25 December 2004 |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008190755/http://houseofnehesipublish.com/sxm/2004/12/25/the-reunification-of-st-martin-a-pipe-dream-or-an-inevitable-choice-by-fabian-adekunle-badejo/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://blog-iacl-aidc.org/constitutionalism-and-pluralism-in-overseas-france/2020/11/12/one-island-two-nations-and-a-european-union-st-martin |title=One island, two nations and a European Union: St. Martin |first1=Gerhard |last1=Hoogers |first2=Gohar |last2=Karapetian |newspaper=IACL-AIDC Blog |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092300/https://blog-iacl-aidc.org/constitutionalism-and-pluralism-in-overseas-france/2020/11/12/one-island-two-nations-and-a-european-union-st-martin |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Treaty of Concordia allows [[freedom of movement]] between both parts of the island, which has promoted a common sentiment among the island's inhabitants, although this is also the reason why some see a formal unification as unnecessary. Other arguments against unification of the island are that neither France nor the Netherlands would allow it and that both sides would require full independence to achieve it.<ref name=":0" />

On 31 August 1990, the "Unity Flag" of Saint Martin was adopted at the Preliminary Conference on National Symbols at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, in Sint Maarten. This flag was created to represent the people of both halves of the island and the unification of the latter, and is hoisted today on some houses and sometimes by churches and religious groups in Saint Martin.<ref name="House of Nehesi Publishers"/> In August 2020, when restrictions and controls were added to the [[Saint Martin–Sint Maarten border]] to contain the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], some protesters against these measures flew this flag with them.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/09/protest-at-saint-martin-border-you-are-basically-blocking-us-from-living/ |title=Protest at Saint Martin border: "you are basically blocking us from living" |first=Jenny |last=Steel |newspaper=Caribbean Network |date=9 August 2020 |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028051002/https://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/09/protest-at-saint-martin-border-you-are-basically-blocking-us-from-living/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2020, these restrictions were lifted, and people from both sides of the island started chanting "One island, one people, one destiny".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sxminfo.fr/126742/16/09/2020/frontiere-lunification-qui-fait-la-force-pas-que-une-victoire-mais-il-reste-la-crise-sanitaire-a-gerer/ |title=Frontière: L'unification qui fait la force? Pas que... Une victoire mais il reste la "crise" sanitaire à gérer |first=Florent |last=Letuvée |newspaper=sxminfo.fr |date=16 September 2020 |language=fr |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=16 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216074823/https://www.sxminfo.fr/126742/16/09/2020/frontiere-lunification-qui-fait-la-force-pas-que-une-victoire-mais-il-reste-la-crise-sanitaire-a-gerer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Some notable supporters of this movement include Albert Fleming, former leader of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, who in 2014 stated his support for the unification of the island.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/16223-former-mayor-albert-fleming-calls-for-unification-of-st-martin-north-and-south-with-the-support-of-up-party-candidate-5-josianne-artsen.html |title=Former mayor Albert Fleming calls for unification of St. Martin north and south with the support of UP party candidate #5 Josianne Artsen |newspaper=Saint Martin News Network |date=1 August 2014 |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092402/https://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/16223-former-mayor-albert-fleming-calls-for-unification-of-st-martin-north-and-south-with-the-support-of-up-party-candidate-5-josianne-artsen.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Climate==
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], the island has a [[tropical savanna climate]] (Aw)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mindat.org/feature-3578422.html |title=Sain Martin |publisher=mindat.org }}</ref> with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from August to December.<ref name="meteoan">{{cite web |url=http://www.meteo.an/Climate_Sum.asp |title=Climate Summaries |publisher=Meteorological Department Curaçao |access-date=21 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217171130/http://www.meteo.an/Climate_Sum.asp |archive-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref> The precipitation patterns are due to the movement of the [[Azores High]] during the year.<ref name="meteoan" /> With the wind direction predominantly from the east or the northeast, northeasterly trades, temperatures remain stable throughout the year and temperatures rarely exceed {{cvt|34|°C|0}} or fall below {{cvt|20|°C|0}}.<ref name="meteoan" /> Temperatures remain steady throughout the year with an average mean temperature of {{cvt|27.2|C|F}}. The average sea temperature is {{cvt|27.2|C|F}} ranging from a low of {{cvt|25.9|C|F}} in February to a high of {{cvt|28.4|C|F}} in October.<ref name="climate">{{cite web |url=http://meteo.cw/Data_www/Climate/documents/CLIM_SUM_SXM.pdf |title=Summary of Climatological Data, Period 1971–2000 |publisher=Meteorological Department Curaçao |access-date=22 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702091351/http://www.meteo.an/Include/Climate2/documents/CLIM_SUM_SXM.pdf |archive-date=2 July 2013 }}</ref> The total average yearly rainfall is {{cvt|1047|mm|in}}, with 142 days of measurable rainfall.<ref name="climate" /> Thunderstorms can occasionally occur, with 18 days with thunder per year.<ref name="climate" /> Precipitation totals are quite variable from year to year, depending on the number of passing [[tropical cyclone]]s.

Because the island is located within the tropics, it is regularly threatened by [[Atlantic hurricane]] activity in the late summer and early fall.
===Hurricane Irma (2017)===
[[File: Hurricane Irma on Sint Maarten (NL) 05.jpg|thumb|Extensive damage to buildings in [[Sint Maarten]] on 7 September 2017, hours after [[Hurricane Irma]] made landfall on the island]]

On 6 September 2017 the island was hit by [[Hurricane Irma]] ([[Saffir–Simpson scale#Category 5|Category 5]] at landfall), which caused widespread and significant damage, estimated at $3 billion, to buildings and infrastructure.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Meade |first1=Natalie |title=St. Maarten is still striving to recover from its worst hurricane in a century |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/st-maarten-is-still-striving-to-recover-from-its-worst-hurricane-in-a-century |date=2 March 2018 |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=26 April 2019 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092423/https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/st-maarten-is-still-striving-to-recover-from-its-worst-hurricane-in-a-century |url-status=live }}</ref> A total of 11 deaths had been reported as of 9 July 2018.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/08/caribbean-islanders-fear-another-battering-after-irma-wreaks-havoc |title=Caribbean islanders fear another battering after Irma wreaks havoc |first=Caroline |last=Davies |date=8 September 2017 |website=The Guardian |access-date=8 September 2017 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410040317/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/08/caribbean-islanders-fear-another-battering-after-irma-wreaks-havoc |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/us/destruction-caribbean-irma-florida.html |title=Caribbean Devastated as Irma Heads Toward Florida |first1=Frances |last1=Robles |first2=Kirk |last2=Semple |first3=Vivian |last3=Yee |date=7 September 2017 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 September 2017 |archive-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908014430/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/us/destruction-caribbean-irma-florida.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180907-video-revisited-one-year-after-hurricane-irma-saint-martin-struggles-recover-france-netherl |title=Revisited – Video: One year after Hurricane Irma, St Martin struggles to recover |date=7 September 2018 |website=France 24 |access-date=6 June 2019 }}</ref> France's [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Minister of the Interior]], [[Gérard Collomb]], said on 8 September 2017 that most of the schools were destroyed on the French half of the island. In addition to damage caused by high winds, there were reports of serious flood damage to businesses in the village of [[Marigot, Saint Martin|Marigot]]. Looting was also a serious problem. Both France and the Netherlands sent aid as well as additional police and emergency personnel to the island.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-irma-weakens-category-storm-49698086 |title=ABC News |website=ABC News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913055232/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-irma-weakens-category-storm-49698086 |archive-date=13 September 2017 }}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' reported that 95% of the structures on the French side and 75% of the structures on the Dutch side were damaged or destroyed.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170909223210/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/dutch-officials-irma-damaged-or-destroyed-70-percent-of-st-maarten-homes-leaving-island-vulnerable-to-joses-approach/2017/09/09/666eb640-957e-11e7-8482-8dc9a7af29f9_story.html "Dutch officials: Irma damaged or destroyed 70 percent of St. Maarten homes, leaving island vulnerable to Jose’s approach"], ''Washington Post'', 9 September 2017. Accessed 9 September 2017.</ref><ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/928557/hurricane-irma-destroys-95-of-french-part-of-st-martin-official "Hurricane Irma destroys ‘95%’ of French part of St. Martin—official"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411025016/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/928557/hurricane-irma-destroys-95-of-french-part-of-st-martin-official |date=11 April 2023 }}, ''Agence France-Presse'', 7 September 2017. Accessed 9 September 2017.</ref>

Some days after the storm had abated, a survey by the Dutch Red Cross estimated that nearly a third of the buildings in Sint Maarten had been destroyed and that over 90 per cent of structures on the island had been damaged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/third-of-buildings-on-dutch-saint-martin-destroyed/ |title=Third of buildings on Dutch St. Martin destroyed |website=[[CBS News]] |date=12 September 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009081357/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/third-of-buildings-on-dutch-saint-martin-destroyed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Princess Juliana Airport]] was extensively damaged but reopened on a partial basis in two days to allow incoming relief flights and for flights that would take evacuees to other islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/st-martins-famous-airport-badly-damaged-hurricane-irma/story?id=49684005 |title=St. Martin's famous airport badly damaged by Hurricane Irma |date=7 September 2017 |website=ABC News |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217202356/http://abcnews.go.com/International/st-martins-famous-airport-badly-damaged-hurricane-irma/story?id=49684005 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Saint Martin weatherbox}}

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Saint Martin}}

[[INSEE]] estimated that the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|nominal GDP]] of the French side of Saint Martin amounted to 582&nbsp;million euros in 2014 (US$772&nbsp;million at 2014 exchanges rates; US$660&nbsp;million at Feb. 2022 exchange rates)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cerom-outremer.fr/IMG/pdf/saint-martin_gdp_in_2014_cerom_may2018.pdf |title=Estimation of per capita GDP in Saint-Martin |date=May 2018 |publisher=[[INSEE]] |website=CEROM |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408043943/https://www.cerom-outremer.fr/IMG/pdf/saint-martin_gdp_in_2014_cerom_may2018.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The nominal GDP of the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten, was estimated at 2,229&nbsp;million Antillean guilders (US$1,245&nbsp;million at the official peg) in 2014.<ref name=GDP>{{cite web |url=http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/press_release/National_Accounts/GDP_2018.pdf |title=GDP 2018 - Press Release |publisher=Department of Statistics, Sint Maarten |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408043939/http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/press_release/National_Accounts/GDP_2018.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The nominal GDP of the entire island was thus US$2.01&nbsp;billion in 2014.

The [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|nominal GDP per capita]] of the entire island stood at US$27,923 in 2014.<ref>Total 2014 GDP of Saint-Martin (US$772 million) and Sint Maarten (US$1,245 million) divided by the number of inhabitants in 2014 ({{cite web |url=https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2525762?sommaire=2525768 |title=Populations légales 2014 des départements et collectivités d'outre-mer |publisher=[[Cabinet of France|Government of France]] |website=[[Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques|INSEE]] |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=fr |archive-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502083728/https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2525762?sommaire=2525768 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/downloads/LFS/Population_Estimates_and_Vital_Statistics_2021.pdf |title=Population Estimates and Vital Statistics 2021 |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518222043/http://stats.sintmaartengov.org/downloads/LFS/Population_Estimates_and_Vital_Statistics_2021.pdf |url-status=live }}).</ref>

The Dutch side of the island experienced a deep recession in 2017 and 2018 due to the devastation of [[Hurricane Irma]] which struck the island in September 2017. [[Real gross domestic product|Real GDP]] experienced a negative growth of -5.8% in 2017 and -6.6% in 2018 (GDP figures after 2018 have not been published yet).<ref name=GDP /> GDP of the French side of the island has not been estimated since 2014.

The main industry of the island is tourism. In 2000, the island had about one million visitors annually. About 85% of the workforce was engaged in the tourist industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-martin/ |title=CIA Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103012953/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-martin |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Demographics==
On 1 January 2019, the population of the whole island was 73,777 inhabitants, with 41,177 living on the Dutch side<ref name=Sint_Maarten_population /> and 32,489 on the French side.<ref name=Saint_Martin_population /> Note that the figure for the French side is based on censuses that took place after the devastation of [[Hurricane Irma]] in September 2017, whereas the figure for the Dutch side is only a post-censal estimate still based on the 2011 census. The first census since Hurricane Irma on the Dutch side of the island is scheduled to take place in October 2022.<ref name="census_2022">See job offer as census interviewer for the Oct. 2022 census: [https://www.facebook.com/356754787783279/photos/a.461785480613542/4989793044479407/?type=3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092457/https://www.facebook.com/356754787783279/photos/a.461785480613542/4989793044479407/?type=3|date=6 September 2024}}.</ref> Population of the island on 1 January 2017, before Hurricane Irma, was 75,869 (40,535 on the Dutch side,<ref name=Sint_Maarten_population /> 35,334 on the French side<ref name=pop_2017 />).

Due to a major influx of immigrants searching for better employment and living conditions over the past 30 years, the number of Creoles has been surpassed by the number of immigrants. The island's population is highly diverse, containing people from more than 70&nbsp;countries.

With so many nationalities present, quite a few languages are spoken. [[Netherlands Antilles Creole|An English-based creole]] is the main local vernacular.<ref>Holm (1989) ''Pidgins and Creoles'', vol. 2</ref> However, the official languages are French for Saint-Martin, with Dutch and English being official for Sint Maarten. Other common languages include various French creoles (spoken by [[French Caribbean]] immigrants), Spanish (spoken by immigrants from the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Puerto Rico]], and various South American countries), and [[Papiamento]] (spoken by immigrants from [[Aruba]], [[Bonaire]] and [[Curaçao]]).<ref>[http://www.st-maarten.com/culture.htm Culture of St. Maarten] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206035057/http://www.st-maarten.com/culture.htm|date=6 December 2006}}. St. Maarten Tourism Office.</ref>

==Culture==
{{more citations needed section|date=May 2021}}
The island's culture is a blend of its African, French, British, Dutch, Amerindian, and Asian [[wiktionary:Special: Search/heritage|heritage]]. Although each side's culture is influenced by their respective administering countries, they share enough similar heritage and traditions that it can be difficult to tell where Saint-Martin ends and Sint Maarten begins.

The [[Creole peoples|Creole]] population can trace most of their roots to Africa, France, the Netherlands and the British Isles. Only some stones remain from the ruins of the two forts built by the Spanish occupation in its early takeover. But during the colonial period, the British settlers and several military dominations left their idiom as the main language spoken on the island, and have made a large impact on St.&nbsp;Martin's culture.

In French Saint-Martin, the most practiced religion is [[Roman Catholicism]]. Dutch Sint Maarten favors [[Protestant]] denominations, particularly [[Methodist|Methodism]]. The island also has small Jewish, [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]], Hindu, Muslim, [[Sikh]], Buddhist, and [[Rastafari]] communities.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2022 |title=What Are the Religions in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin? |url=https://www.sint-maarten.net/population/culture/religion |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605190555/https://www.sint-maarten.net/population/culture/religion |url-status=live }}</ref>

Popular music on St. Martin includes a variety of styles found throughout the Caribbean. [[Calypso music|Calypso]], [[Merengue (music)|merengue]], [[Soca music|soca]], [[Zouk (musical movement)|zouk]], [[reggae]], and [[Chutney music|chutney]] all contribute to the festive culture.

The island is known for its excellent cuisine.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=6 Date Ideas for a Romantic Getaway to St. Maarten |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/st-maarten-restaurants-8778152 |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Food & Wine |language=en}}</ref> Creole, French, and West Indian cooking are particularly renowned.<ref name=":1" /> St. Martin's [[Sint Maarten|Dutch side]] is known for its festive nightlife, [[beach]]es, jewellery, [[drink]]s made with native [[rum]]-based [[guavaberry]] [[liquor]]s, and [[casino]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://about-saintmartin.com/listcat/casinos |title=Casinos |publisher=about-saintmartin.com |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222214315/http://about-saintmartin.com/listcat/casinos/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guavaberry Liqueur Deserves a Spot On Your Bar Cart |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/guavaberry-liqueur-6835131 |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Food & Wine |language=en}}</ref> The island's [[Collectivity of Saint Martin|French side]] is known for its [[nude beach]]es, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local [[Netherlands Antilles Creole|dialect]]. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten. Other common languages include various [[Antillean Creole|French-based creoles]] (spoken by immigrants from other French Caribbean islands), Spanish (spoken by immigrants from the Dominican Republic and various South American countries), and [[Papiamento]] (spoken by immigrants from Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao).

Among the leading cultural artists of the island are Youth Waves, music band; Isidore "Mighty Dow" York, [[kaiso]]nian, panman; Roland Richardson, [[Impressionist]] painter; [[Ruby Bute]], painter; [[Nicole de Weever]], dancer and Broadway star; [[Lasana M. Sekou]], poet, author, independence advocate; Drisana [[Deborah Jack]], multimedia visual artist, poet; Clara Reyes, choreographer; and Tanny and The Boys, string band music group.

News publications on St. Martin include ''The Daily Herald'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Daily Herald |url=https://www.thedailyherald.sx/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=www.thedailyherald.sx |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092306/https://www.thedailyherald.sx/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Soualiga News Day'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sint Maarten Online Newsday Source |url=https://www.soualiganewsday.com/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=www.soualiganewsday.com |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301043645/https://www.soualiganewsday.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Soualiga News'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=SoualigaPost.com {{!}} All the news St. Martin & St. Maarten |url=http://www.soualigapost.com/en |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=www.soualigapost.com |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092308/http://www.soualigapost.com/en |url-status=live }}</ref> ''St. Maarten News'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=StMaartenNews.com – News Views Reviews & Interviews – Always on point! |url=https://stmaartennews.com/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=StMaartenNews.com – News Views Reviews & Interviews |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424071150/https://stmaartennews.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''SMN News'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Martin News Network – St. Martin News Network – Latest News in and around St. Maarten/St. Martin. |url=https://www.smn-news.com/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=www.smn-news.com |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092352/https://www.smn-news.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''SXM Island Time'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home 5 |url=http://sxmislandtime.com/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=SXM IslandTime |archive-date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917071341/http://sxmislandtime.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''SXM Talks''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SXM Talks {{!}} Sint Maarten News And Discussion |url=https://www.sxm-talks.com/ |access-date=16 September 2020 }}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Philipsburg St Maarten.jpg|[[Simpson Bay Lagoon|Simpson Bay]], [[Sint Maarten]], Dutch side
File:Philipsburg and the Great Bay, Sint Maarten, Caribbean.jpg|Philipsburg and the Great Bay
File:Marigot 2.jpg|[[Marigot, Saint Martin|Marigot]], [[Collectivity of Saint Martin|Saint Martin]], French side
File: Saint Maarten.jpg| Cole bay (taken atop sentry hill)
</gallery>

==Currency==
The official currency of Saint Martin is the [[euro]], while Sint Maarten uses the [[Netherlands Antillean guilder]], pegged at 1.79 per US dollar. As a consequence of the dissolution of the [[Netherlands Antilles]], the Netherlands Antillean guilder will cease to be legal tender and be replaced by the [[Caribbean guilder]], which was scheduled for circulation in the first half of 2021,<ref name="stmaarten">{{cite news |date=15 November 2020 |title=Central Bank announces introduction of Caribbean Guilder in 2021 |work=StMaartenNews.com |url=https://stmaartennews.com/news/central-bank-announces-introduction-of-caribbean-guilder-in-2021/ |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209123427/https://stmaartennews.com/news/central-bank-announces-introduction-of-caribbean-guilder-in-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but now scheduled for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2023 |title=CBCS moves ahead with the Introduction of the Caribbean Guilder |url=https://cdn.centralbank.cw/media/press_releases_2022/20220905_pb2022_033_cbcs_continues_project_cmg_en.pdf |website=Centrale Bank Curaçao and Sint Maarten |access-date=18 January 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603012840/https://cdn.centralbank.cw/media/press_releases_2022/20220905_pb2022_033_cbcs_continues_project_cmg_en.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Almost every store on the island also accepts the [[United States dollar]], although sometimes a more expensive exchange rate is used.

==Transport==
[[File: Airport SXM.jpg|thumb|[[Air France]] [[Airbus A340]] landing at [[Princess Juliana International Airport]]]]Public buses are the primary mode of transportation for visitors staying on the island.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 June 2015 |title=Bus transit Saint-Martin |url=http://www.stmartinisland.org/st-martin-st-maarten-travel-information/getting-around-st-martin-island.html#bus |access-date=6 November 2016 |publisher=stmartinisland.org |archive-date=5 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105023447/http://www.stmartinisland.org/st-martin-st-maarten-travel-information/getting-around-st-martin-island.html#bus |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Border checks===
Neither side of the island is part of the [[Schengen Area]]; full border checks are performed when travelling in and out of the island. Passport controls are also exercised when taking the ferry from Marigot or Princess Juliana International Airport to [[Anguilla]]. There are rarely checks at the border between the two sides of the island.

In 1994, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and France signed the [[Franco-Dutch treaty on Saint Martin border controls]], which allows for joint Franco-Dutch border controls on so-called "risk flights" arriving from off-island and only admitting foreigners having permission to travel on both sides of the island. After some delay, the treaty was ratified in November 2006 in the Netherlands and subsequently entered into force on 1 August 2007. Its provisions are not yet implemented as the working group specified in the treaty is not yet installed.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}{{update inline|date=November 2017}} The treaty requires a working group that has never been set up, to harmonize external checks at the two main airports. The Dutch side has expressed concern that new and tighter French visa requirements would harm their tourism income.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://about-saintmartin.com/immigration-formalities/ |title=Immigration Formalities |publisher=About-saintmartin.com |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222205759/http://about-saintmartin.com/immigration-formalities/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

===Airports=== 
[[File:SXMDanger.jpg|thumb|Sign warning people standing too close to the airport fence on [[Maho Beach]].]]

The island is served by the [[Princess Juliana International Airport]], in the Dutch part of the island.

There is also a small airport on the French side of the island at [[Grand Case]], [[L'Espérance Airport]] for small aircraft serving neighbouring Caribbean islands. It frequently suffers thick fog during the hurricane season due to its location.

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|North America|Caribbean}}
* [[Caribbean Netherlands]]
* [[List of Sint Maarten leaders of government]]
* [[Outline of Saint Martin]]
* [[Overseas France]]
* [[Scouting and Guiding in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Baldacchino |first1=Godfrey |last2=Dana |first2=Leo Paul |title=The Impact of Public Policy on Entrepreneurship: A Critical Investigation of the Protestant Ethic on a Divided Island Jurisdiction |journal=Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship |volume=19 |issue=4 |year=2012 |pages=419–430 |issn=0827-6331 |doi=10.1080/08276331.2006.10593381 |s2cid=143824108 |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/14520 |access-date=4 September 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509165519/https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/14520 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite journal |last=Dana |first=Leo Paul |date=1990 |title=Saint Martin/Sint Maarten: A Case Study of the Effects of Politics and Culture on Economic Development |journal=Journal of Small Business Management |volume=XXVIII |issue=4 |pages=91–98 |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/bbdfc2c83a47c7f49748a7af3ec37b38/ |access-date=22 November 2022 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906092834/https://www.proquest.com/openview/bbdfc2c83a47c7f49748a7af3ec37b38/ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |last=Dana |first=Leo Paul |date=2010 |title=Entrepreneurship & Religion |location=Cheltenham |publisher=Edward Elgar |isbn=978-1-84720-572-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jpHqmAEACAAJ |access-date=6 September 2024 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013081340/https://books.google.com/books?id=jpHqmAEACAAJ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |last=Houston |first=Lynn Marie |title=Food Culture in the Caribbean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZZEeyKrytcwC&pg=PA113 |year=2005 |publisher=Greenwood |isbn=978-0-313-32764-3 |pages=113– |access-date=6 September 2024 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013081528/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZZEeyKrytcwC&pg=PA113 |url-status=live }}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* Arrindell, Rhoda, [http://www.spdbooks.org/Products/9780988825222/language-culture-and-identity-in-st-martin.aspx ''Language, Culture, and Identity in St. Martin'']. St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 2014.
* [http://www.spdbooks.org/Products/0913441430/st-martin-massive-a-snapshot-of-popular-artists.aspx. ''St. Martin Massive! A Snapshot of Popular Artists''], St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 2000.
* Hyman, Yvette, [http://www.spdbooks.org/Products/9780988825291/from-yvettes-kitchen-to-your-table-a-treasury-of-st-martins-traditional--contemporary-cuisine.aspx ''From Yvette's Kitchen To Your Table: A Treasury of St. Martin's Traditional & Contemporary Cuisine'']. St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 2014 (Fourth printing).
* Lake Jr., Joseph H., [https://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Anger-Labor-Movement-Martin/dp/0913441414. ''Friendly Anger – The rise of the labour movement in St. Martin'']. St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 2004.
* Sekou, Lasana M. (ed.), [https://www.amazon.com/National-Symbols-St-Martin-Primer/dp/0913441309 ''National Symbols of St. Martin – A Primer'']. St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 1997 (Third printing).

==External links==
{{Commons category|Saint Martin (island)}}
{{EB1911 poster|St Martin<!--volume=24|page=30-->}}

; General information
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-martin/ Saint Martin]. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
* {{Wikiatlas|Saint Martin}}

; News and media
* [http://www.thedailyherald.com/ ''The Daily Herald''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009093110/http://www.thedailyherald.com/ |date=9 October 2015 }} daily newspaper from St. Maarten
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080502150851/http://www.sxmfaxinfo.com/ ''LE FAXinfo''] daily newspaper from Saint Martin (in French)

; Travel
<!-- ATTENTION! Please do not add links without discussion and consensus on the talk page. Undiscussed links will be removed. -->
* [http://www.vacationstmaarten.com/ Dutch St. Maarten] official Tourist Bureau
* [http://www.stmartinisland.org/ French Saint Martin] official Tourist Office
* [http://www.gaystmartin.com/ Official tourist website for LGBT visitors]
* [http://www.leshotelsdesaintmartin.com/en French Saint Martin] Hotel Association
* [http://www.sxmairport.com/ Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten] official website
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}

; Others
* Eric Dubois-Millot, [http://sxm.birds.free.fr/Ois/ ''Birds of Sint Maarten''], Action Nature

{{Countries of North America}}

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[[Category:Saint Martin (island)| ]]
[[Category:Leeward Islands (Caribbean)]]
[[Category:International islands]]
[[Category:Nude beaches]]