Bank name in Saint Martin. Butterfly Island. Accommodation on the island Saint Martin. Hotels in the French part
History of Saint Martin
History of Sint Maarten. History of Saint Martin. Sint Maarten/Saint Maarten border. Maltese colonization of the Caribbean.
Columbus discovered the island during his second voyage to the New World on November 11, 1493, St. Martin's Day (after which Columbus named the island). But Columbus did not land on shore; he sailed past. Only in 1631 did the first European colonists, the Dutch, settle there, building Fort Amsterdam, of which almost nothing remains today. The French and English began to settle next. The island's population, the Carib Indians, were gradually enslaved. However, the Caribs were also not an indigenous population. Before the Caribs, there lived the Sibonean Indians (belonging to a group of Arawaks who allegedly sailed from Colombia and Venezuela), who settled on the island 3.5 thousand years ago. The Caribs, who originally came from Guiana, over time captured the lands of the Arawaks, exterminated the men, turned the women into their slaves - it is believed that for some time even the languages spoken by Carib women and men were significantly different.
Carib family from an engraving by John Stedman
A couple of years after Europeans landed on the island, life, production and trade of the settlers began to improve, and the Spaniards decided that it was not for these newcomers that their great compatriot opened St. Martin. They captured the island and drove out their competitors, seizing their property. Fortunately, there was a reason - there was an eighty-year war for the independence of the Netherlands from Spanish rule. The Spaniards built their fort on Point Blanche, but it seems that nothing remains of it at all. The Dutch tried to recapture the island a couple of times, but to no avail.
15 years later, the war in Europe ended with the victory of the Netherlands, the Spaniards lost interest in the island, and left in 1648. The Dutch and the French returned. We tried to sort things out with each other. As a result, they preferred a not-so-bad peace to a good war, and in the same 1648 they concluded the Treaty of Concordia on peace and friendship, which determined the border between the French and Dutch parts.
French Saint Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten
According to local stories, the border was determined as follows. The French and Dutch each fielded one representative. They stood with their backs to each other, and this became the starting point of the border. They then walked along the coastline of the island in opposite directions to meet on the other side, where the end point of the boundary line was determined. They were forbidden to run, which meant that they had to cover approximately the same distance. But the Frenchman walked much more - the area of the French part ended up being 54 km² (61%) versus 32 km² (39%) of the Dutch.
The Dutch suspected that the Frenchman was cheating and fled in some places. The French explained this discrepancy elegantly: the reason was drinking traditions. Both walkers cheered themselves up with a drink before setting off. But the Frenchman drank light wine. And the representative of the opposite side drank jevier, a strong Dutch gin. This, according to the cunning French, led to the difference in the speed of movement of the walkers.
Historians claim that the reason for the not entirely equal distribution of territory was the French warships stationed off the coast of the island (“We write 54 km², we keep 7 warships in mind...”).
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Fort St. cannon Louis in Marigot, the capital of French Saint-Martin
Be that as it may, the border changed 16 more times. At the same time, the French part was sold to the Maltese in 1651. More precisely, the Maltese Knights Hospitaller Order.
There was an interesting story about the Maltese colonization of the Caribbean. It is associated with the name of Philippe Lonvilliers de Poincy (1584–1660). On January 12, 1638, Poincy, a French nobleman, arrived in St. Kitts (aka St. Christopher) as lieutenant-governor of the French Caribbean possessions and captain-governor of St. Kitts. But at the same time, de Poincy was the commander of the Maltese Order of the Hospitallers, and arrived at his destination in full Maltese uniform. Philip was an extremely ambitious man, and soon declared that the people of St. Kitts would not obey any other governor but him, and the King of France himself would not order him. After some time, de Poincy took over power not only in St. Kitts, but also in the surrounding St. Barthélemy, St. Croix and St. Martin. On St. Kitse, he built himself a luxurious mansion, practically a palace (today in ruins).
The French authorities considered de Poincy's insolence to be excessive, and sent a certain Thoissy to replace him. But Poincy ordered the soldiers of the garrison loyal to him to arrest the sent appointee, put him in shackles and send him back to France.
In order to somehow hush up this trick and further strengthen his power, Philip convinced the Order of Malta that it was urgently necessary for it to gain its interest from the colonization of the New World, and to buy French possessions on the islands of Saint Martin, Saint Kitts, Saint Barthelemy and Santa Cruz for 120,000 livres from the French Company of the American Islands (Compagnie des Îles de l'Amérique).
Yes, the colonization of new territories usually took place by powerful private companies specially created for this purpose under the patronage of the state - the British South African Company, the Dutch West India Company, the Russian-American Company and many others). They were often allowed to take ownership of colonized lands, open their own banks, and even have their own armed forces. Expansion into new markets, the search for new sources of profit, corporate wars and raiding in those days were quite literal in nature - you landed on a new territory, declared it yours, enslaved the natives and forced them to work for you, and to counteract the seizure of your market share by competitors you build fort with cannons. The power of the British East India Company, in particular, is played out well in the TV series Taboo with Tom Hardy in the title role.
The leadership of the Order of Malta liked the idea. The French authorities also approved it, but set the condition that formally the French king remained the sovereign of the islands, and the Maltese should appoint knights of the order exclusively of French origin as governors of these possessions, which de Poincy could not have come at a more opportune time.
Map of the Caribbean possessions of the Knights of Malta
While the Knights of Malta owned the islands, Philippe de Poincy remained the actual master of the territories entrusted to him. The Order tried to replace him with Charles Jacques Huault de Montmagny, who became famous in Canadian New France for his victory over the Iroquois. But de Poincy again refused to cede power. But this time he did not put his competitor in shackles, but made him “an offer that he could not refuse” - to enjoy the island life in warmth and contentment until de Poincy, an elderly man who did not have long left, left the post of governor posthumously. In 1657, de Montmagny died without waiting for the death of de Poincy, who died only in 1660 at the age of 77.
Charles Jacques Huot de Montmagny
Since de Poincy, for the most part, worked in his own interests, without denying himself anything, the purchase of colonies did not bring profit to the Maltese. During the entire period of ownership, they did not even manage to pay the sellers the full price. As a result, in 1665 everything was sold back to the French.
From 1795 to 1815, when the Netherlands became dependent on France in Europe, St. Maarten belonged entirely to the French. Only in 1816 the border line was finally fixed.
The main sources of income for the economy of St Martin were the slave trade, the cultivation of tobacco and sugar cane, and the production of salt, sugar, molasses and rum.
France abolished slavery in 1848. The slaves of the French part of the island gained freedom. This was reflected in the mood of the slaves of the Dutch part, who began to become more and more rowdy and escape to the French. As a result, the Dutch on Sint Maarten were forced to make concessions and grant significantly greater rights to slaves. In fact, slavery ended in the Dutch part of Sint Maarten before it was officially done in 1863 on all the islands of the Dutch West Indies.
During the Second World War, the island was subject to the Dutch Government in exile, and the Americans and British landed there to protect it. Although it seems rather strange to us that the Second World War could also affect the Caribbean islands, that’s why it was a world war - a German submarine fired guns at Sint Maarten in 1941, and there were torpedo attacks on the surrounding sea routes.
After the war, Sint Maarten relied on tourism and on providing tax benefits to foreign companies, becoming one of the so-called “offshore havens”.
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Airplane landing over Maho Beach at Princess Juliana Airport, Sint Maarten
Until the beginning of the 21st century, the French part of the island of St. Martin administratively belonged to another overseas territory of France - Guadeloupe. In 2003, a referendum was held in Saint-Martin, in which residents spoke in favor of divorce from Guadeloupe (but not from France), and in 2007, the metropolitan authorities respected the Saint-Martins, giving Saint-Martin the status of an independent overseas community. So today Saint-Martin is a municipal region of France with its own representative in the Senate.
Today the level is average standard of living on the island of St. Martin In terms of purchasing power of the islanders, it significantly exceeds that of Russia, ranking next to Israel, Italy and New Zealand. Among the former Netherlands Antilles, Sint Maarten comes in first place, slightly ahead of Aruba. Its steady economic growth attracts migrants not only from its sister islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, but also from the United States, Europe and Asia. Since the beginning of the 90s, the population of the island has increased by 50% and in 2011 amounted to 36,286 on the French part and 33,609 on the Dutch part. The indigenous Sint Marten people are gradually becoming a national minority - people from more than 70 countries of the world live on the island today.
The main religion is Catholicism (about a third of the population). Among the other denominations with the largest number of followers are Pentecostals and Methodists.
Church in Sint Maarten
80% of the income of the island of St. Martin today comes from the tourism business. The island receives about two million cruise ship passengers a year. A slightly smaller number of passengers are served by Princess Juliana Airport.
The most convenient way to get to the island is by plane through the USA, Amsterdam or Paris.
The cheapest air tickets from Moscow to St. Martin for the year ahead
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Saint Martin is undoubtedly the most luxurious island in the Caribbean. The magnificent Saint Martin can be discovered every day, but never fully understood - the island is so diverse and amazingly absorbs all the best that can be found in other places. Luxurious palm trees and turquoise sea, a small tropical paradise with endless fine sand beaches, coconut palms, emerald turquoise sea and colorful Creole huts. An island rich in contrasts, a unique, unforgettable land. Saint Martin is divided between France and Holland, and when you arrive on the island, be prepared to plunge into the cultures of two countries at once.
Magnificent Saint Martin 
Saint Martin has recovered from Hurricane Irma. Nature has taken care of itself and the island is green again and the beaches are beautiful again. Most hotels, restaurants, clubs and boutiques have been fully restored and are operational. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the typical island lifestyle!
Saint Martin (French: Saint-Martin), or Sint Maarten (Dutch: Sint Maarten) is an island washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the east and the Caribbean Sea from the west, part of the group of the Netherlands Antilles (they also make up the chain of Eastern Caribbean islands) .
Saint Martin Island is the world's smallest inhabited island, governed simultaneously by two different governments. The northern part of the island is an overseas community of France, and the southern part is a self-governing state with significant autonomy (status aparte) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A kind of small piece of old Europe on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
The administrative center of the Dutch part of the island is the city of Philipsburg, the French part is the city of Marigot.
Area 87 km² (including the Dutch part of the island - 34 km², with a population of 41,000; French - 53 km² - with a population of 37,000).
The highest point is Peak Paradise mountain (424 m) in the French part of the island. the topography of which is hilly, and the highlands are covered with greenery and forests.
The island has a dry temperate climate and, thanks to the trade winds, has sufficient humidity. There are 37 white sand beaches in French and Dutch territories.
Before the discovery of America by Europeans, the island belonged entirely to the Arawak tribe, who called it the Island of Salt (in honor of the main wealth of Saint-Martin) or the Land of Women. The discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus on November 11, 1493, on St. Martin's Day, predetermined its name, which has survived to this day. A century and a half later, the first settlements of the French and Dutch appeared here, who created a coalition to jointly resist the Spaniards, who also laid claim to these lands. As a result, the Spaniards were unable to take possession of the island, which was divided between France and the Netherlands according to the 1648 treaty. This treaty still exists today and is considered the oldest existing international agreement in the world.
In the 18th century, industrial cultivation and production of sugar cane began on the island, and African slaves were imported to work on the plantations. By the way, slavery remained on this island until 1848, despite the fact that throughout France it had already been abolished 54 years earlier during the Great French Revolution.
The official language of the Dutch part of the island is Dutch. English and Spanish are spoken here; On the French side, the official language is French, but the local population also speaks English and Creole.
The basis of the economy is tourism.
The official currency on the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, and on the French side, as in all other French overseas possessions, the euro. The American dollar is accepted everywhere, and most prices in shops on the island are quoted in this currency.
The southern, Dutch part of the island is an offshore zone.
The island is home to Princess Juliana International Airport, where 12 major airlines fly, as well as numerous charters from the USA and Canada. Landing there is considered one of the most difficult, since the end of the runway is adjacent to the seashore, and planes are forced to land literally over the heads of tourists relaxing on the beach, while the length of the runway itself is only 2180 m.
Today's Saint Martin is a resort and beach paradise for respectable travelers! This is not only snow-white beaches covered with fine-grained sand, luxurious coconut palms, exotic vegetation, colorful Creole houses and the transparent emerald-turquoise color of the warm Caribbean Sea. These include luxury hotels, villas of movie stars and numerous nudist beaches located along the rugged coasts, restaurants and nightlife, diving and deep-sea fishing (and the water here is clear to a depth of 100 meters!), beautiful coral reefs, where many inhabitants of the underwater world live. Truly a small tropical paradise and luxuriously sophisticated travel service.
Saint-Martin has two annual noisy carnivals: Mardi Gras on the French side and on the birthday of the monarch on the Dutch side, art biennales, jazz and brass music festivals. But this is also the annual global St. Maarten Heineken regatta, held since 1980 and attracting more than 200 yachts to participate! This is an annual race of 12-meter yachts and smaller boats.
Philipsburg is the Dutch capital of the island. This small town, located between Great Bay and Grand Etang, was founded in the 17th century, and stretches along a sandy lagoon. To protect it, two ancient military fortresses were created - Forts Amsterdam and William, built respectively in the 17th and 19th centuries. The powerful guard walls and bastions offer an amazing panorama not only of Saint Martin itself, but also of the nearby islands.
Here, in Philipsburg, is the largest passenger port, where huge cruise ships call almost every day, and receives more than half a million tourists a year.
You won’t find traditional Dutch architecture or “puppet” Amsterdam canals in Philipsburg, they simply don’t exist here (only Old Street miraculously preserved several typical facades from the 17th century, reminiscent of the distant land of tulips).
But there are more than 500 Duty Free stores offering a large selection of jewelry, watches, electronics, clothing from the world's leading manufacturers, French perfumes, the best fine wines and Havana cigars, located along the main shopping artery - Front Street.
In the evening, with the onset of twilight, the island literally transforms. Hundreds of neon signs, casino lights (there are 13 of them on the island), strip bars, and first-class nightclubs make you feel like you are in the real Las Vegas, only in miniature.
The largest lagoon in the Caribbean, Simpson Bay, although landlocked except for two narrow channels with drawbridges, is large enough to be home to giant ocean-going yachts, which are either anchored at one of the luxurious piers or at anchor. in its protected waters. Saint Martin has become the center of sailing in the Caribbean and the home port of a number of the most outrageous mega-yachts.
Marigot is the French capital of the island. In Old French, this word meant “swamp”, since the swampy lowland was once close to a convenient sea bay.
Appreciating the maritime superiority of this part of the island, the first settlers from France first had to drain the wetlands, which was done successfully. Now nothing reminds us of the marshy swamps. Today, Marigot attracts shopaholics who go not only to the brand stores of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Cartier, Chopard on the main shopping street named after French President De Gaulle, but also to the West Indies Shopping Mall, which unites under there are more than 50 boutiques under its roof. Numerous jewelry stores offer jewelry and watches from the most prestigious brands at duty-free prices.
Unlike the Dutch capital of the island, the French Marigot has retained more of the charm of a provincial French town of the 18th-19th centuries. Windows with typical lattice balconies, stucco on the houses, and the houses themselves are in the Parisian style. Street names familiar from Paris, in honor of the historical victories of France: rue de Rivoli, rue de Clichy, la rue de Sébastopol, rue de la Bastille, la place Napoleon. By the way, the French also have their own ancient fortress Saint Louis, named after the French king Louis XIII.
If the Dutch part of the island is the center of entertainment and nightlife, then the French, naturally, have no equal in gastronomy. 365 restaurants! Just think about this figure! The island rightfully bears the title of “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. But the double title goes to the small fishing village of Grand Case, stretching along the azure bay, which is considered the “gastronomic capital” of the entire Caribbean archipelago, since none of the nearby islands can even compete with the variety and sophistication of its restaurants.
There are regular restaurants, simpler restaurants, fashionable restaurants, and haute cuisine establishments with Michelin-level cuisine. Many of them were opened more than a quarter of a century ago, and, having overcome economic crises and competition, they still delight their visitors with gastronomic delights. The local chefs masterfully combine traditional European cuisine (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch) with local Caribbean cuisine. And as a result, outlandish in taste, but very exquisitely refined dishes of French, Italian, Caribbean, Creole, Dutch, Indonesian, Japanese cuisine are born! Local shrimp, scallops, lobsters, crabs, shellfish, and more than 60 species of fish are also popular here!
We are waiting for you on the beautiful island of St. Martin 
The islands have a total of 35 paradisiacal and absolutely unique beaches that attract thousands of tourists every year. Saint Martin is rightfully included in the list of 10 world resorts with the most beautiful beaches. A real paradise for water sports lovers, there are all kinds of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, yachting, deep sea fishing, as well as a variety of water excursions.
Maho Bay is the main resort area of Sint Maarten. Densely lined with multi-storey buildings, jewelry stores, art galleries, restaurants and casinos, the white strip of beach practically abuts the runway of the local airport, so this area is widely known for its rather exotic spectacle - huge passenger planes flying right over the heads of vacationers. To the north, the wonderful Mallet Beach begins, flowing into the quiet Kapkoy Beach, which is a set of ancient weathered cliffs, at the base of which small cozy coves with white sand lurk.
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It is not for nothing that the island has the unspoken status of being unique. Firstly, the territory of Saint Martin is peacefully divided between two states. Secondly, it is the smallest land on which two countries coexist on the planet. Thirdly, one of the most unusual airports in the world is located here. There are fifths, sevenths, tenths...
Saint Martin on the map
Saint Martin Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean islands on the map
Since the island belongs territorially to two European powers, it has two names: the French say Saint-Martin (emphasis on the last syllable), while the Dutch call it Sint Maarten. Accordingly, there are also two administrative centers: Marigot (French) and Philipsburg (Dutch).
City of Marigot An extraordinary island is located in the north of the archipelago of the Eastern Islands of the West Indies. The total area is 87 km², with the Dutch possessions making up a smaller part - 34 km². On French soil (53 km²) is the highest point of the island (424 meters) - Mount Peak Paradise. The coast of this political and geographical miracle is washed by the Caribbean Sea.
City of Philipsburg Holidays in Saint Martin
Southern drive, solar energy, luxurious holidays - this is Saint Martin. The entire range of traditional beach pastimes for which the Caribbean is famous is available on the island in full, so the facts will be more informative:
- right above Maho beach, giant Boeings take off/land incredibly low;
- the best beaches are Mullet Bay, Orient Beach and the same extreme Maho;
- duty-free shopping and the Dute Free zone, beloved by millions of tourists, will provide an exciting shopping experience with purchases at reasonable prices;
- the euro, the guilder, and the dollar are on equal footing;
- the most popular bar is Sunset bar & Grill on Maho;
- Marina Simpson Bay is the most comfortable place to live: the beach is minutes away, developed infrastructure, many cafes and restaurants with first-class cuisine and live music;
- You can get to any point in Saint Martin by minibus or rented car.
Tourists, despite two Euro-hosts, move freely throughout the island, freely crossing the conventional border-post. The only thing is that you need to decide in advance on which side to spend the night - it depends on which country will provide a visa. And further. On a nudist beach, it’s easy to stumble upon a cooing gay couple, so homophobic travelers should avoid such places.
Princess Juliana Airport on the island of Saint Martin
Nature of Saint Martin
The exotic charm of the Caribbean nature is fully revealed in Saint Martin, although the soil here is not very fertile. The territory is the rounded peak of a now inactive volcano. The entire perimeter of the island is surrounded by a scattering of picturesque coral plantations, which are easily accessible by swimming. The richness of the underwater kingdom will provide exciting diving and productive fishing (white and blue marlin, barracuda, wahoo, less often sea urchin, etc.).
Land-based chic is as good as underwater chic. On the miniature land there are palm trees, cacti, lush thickets of forests, and iridescent fields of cotton, vegetables, and reeds. Flower lovers are in ecstasy from the variety of buds, their aromas, shades, and sizes. The fauna is many times poorer than the flora and is represented mainly by feral livestock, birds and lizards.
The magnificent Saint Martin can be discovered every day, but never fully understood - the compact Caribbean island is so diverse. Ecotourists will certainly appreciate strolls through the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, located on the Netherlands side. Also popular in the Dutch part of the island are excursions to nine churches, inspection of colonial-era buildings, the Monument to Her Majesty Wilhelmina, Forts Amsterdam and Willem, the Sint Maarten Museum, Dawn Beach, Cole Bay Hill Tower, Watney Square.
And the French possessions will not disappoint tourists eager for impressions, especially lovers of nightlife - this is a real paradise of casinos, restaurants, bars, discos, beach parties, and original music. The day can be devoted to visiting the elegant French buildings on the Rue de la République, going up to the ancient fortress of Saint-Louis, exploring the unique exhibitions at the Museum of Culture and History of Saint-Martin and the Loulou Gallery, taking pictures against the backdrop of the original building in which the Rue de la Court is located Liberte. Then run through the Marigot market, go to the Creole village of Colombier, take a tasting tour of the gastronomic capital of Grand Case, and relax your soul at the charming Butterfly Farm.
For tourists
The friendliness of the Dutch and French, as well as the carefree atmosphere that reigns on Saint Martin, contributed to the symbiosis of cuisine, architecture and philosophy of the islanders. The life of the island is filled with harmony, and the borders between these two neighboring states are rather arbitrary. The French influence on Saint-Martin mostly relates to cultural heritage, but the Dutch side takes an active part in popularizing the island, which is why many resorts are located on its territory and gambling is allowed.
Both capitals (Marigot and Philipsburg) are home to a variety of fine restaurants, fashionable shops and a variety of entertainment venues, so you won't get bored here. In addition, guests of the island have a large number of magnificent beaches with white sand, which are perfect for relaxation and active entertainment.
Climate and weather
The island has a tropical climate, so the weather here is dry and very warm all year round. In the summer season, daytime air temperatures fluctuate between +27...+32 °C, and in winter they almost never fall below +24...+25 °C. The average annual rainfall on the island is around 1000–1150 mm. The rainiest months are September and November, and the driest months are February, March and April.
The most favorable time to travel to Saint Martin is from mid-December to April.
Nature
The island of Saint Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Martin is the peak of an ancient underwater volcano, which has a rounded shape. Its coastline is framed by a series of small coral reefs with shallow lagoons.
In general, the topography of Saint Martin is hilly, its highest point being the Peak Paradise mountain.
The island's landscapes are predominantly green, but the soils are dry: palm trees, cacti and hibiscus make up most of the local flora. Although there are several small forests in the central regions. Also in Saint Martin there are more than 30 snow-white beaches with clear water.
The fauna of the island is quite poor and is represented mainly by birds and lizards, as well as wild domestic animals.
Attractions
Despite the fact that Saint Martin is under the control of two different states, their borders are conditional, so tourists can freely explore all the sights of the island.
The only city on the Dutch side of the island is Philipsburg, whose buildings are recognized as classic examples of early colonial architecture.
These are mainly buildings with red and white facades and steep tiled roofs. The city's main attractions include the Queen Wilhelmina Monument, nine small churches and Watney Square. No less interesting are Fort Willem and Fort Amsterdam.
It is also worth visiting the Saint-Martin Museum, which houses ancient finds and a collection of objects from the sunken frigate Proselyte.
Well, the main source of pride for the residents of Philipsburg is the Botanical Garden and a small but very beautiful zoo.
Outside the city you can also find noteworthy places and objects. Highlights include the Cole Bay Hill Lookout Tower and the stunning Dawn Beach.
The French part of the island is less noisy, and its capital, the city of Marigot, is a true example of elegant style. The most popular place in the city is Republic Street with charming buildings that create a romantic atmosphere.
The main historical monument of Marigot is an ancient fortress called Fort Louis, from the walls of which a stunning view of the coast opens.
Among other interesting sites, the most popular are the Saint-Martin Museum of History and Culture, the Rue de la Liberté courthouse, the Lulu Gallery and the cultural and historical museum "In the Footsteps of the Arawaks".
Well, in the vicinity of the city you should definitely see the remains of the sugar plantation La Sucrerier and the picturesque Paradise Peak, as well as visit the typical Creole village of Colombier, the gastronomic capital of the island of Grand Case, the small forest reserve of Loterie Farm and the amazing Butterfly Farm.
Despite the fact that the island is shared by two states, they have one common attraction that symbolizes their peaceful coexistence. It is a Border Monument, which is installed on the top of the small Mount Concordia.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Saint Martin is as interesting as the island itself. It is based on a mixture of European, Creole and Caribbean traditions, and its basis is the seafood that abounds in the surrounding waters. Thus, the most popular and common dishes here are prepared from lobsters, shrimp, lobsters, various shells, sea fish and algae. The most interesting treats of local culinary specialists are charcoal-grilled snapper, boiled shrimp with herbs, fish-coconut soup sopi-di-piska, fish balls croqueshi, wine soup sopi-di-binja and whole fried wahoo.
Among the meat dishes, the most common are pasteshis pies, cabrito-stoba stewed lamb, ayacas meatloaf, cactus and hobi-duchi fish soup, and spicy steak with lemon. Well, the side dishes most often offered are fresh vegetables, green beans, boiled rice and a variety of sauces.
Local desserts are also interesting, such as johnny cakes, pan batis, potato pudding pudin di potato, caramel quesio and cocada lollipops. Wash down all these treats with tea and freshly squeezed juices. Speaking of alcohol, all types of local and imported drinks are available here. The island also produces first-class beers such as Heineken, Balashi and Amstel. However, the main local drink is Guavaberry liqueur, which is made from Caribbean rum, sugar and rare berries that ripen only in August.
Oddly enough, the best restaurants on the island are not in Marigot or Philipsburg, but in the small town of Grand Case, which is recognized as the gastronomic capital of St. Maarten. This is where the best restaurants in Saint Martin are located, offering exquisite French cuisine and the best French wines.
Hotels
The choice of hotels in Saint Martin is simply huge, but during the high season (from December to April) rooms should be booked in advance, as otherwise you may have problems finding accommodation. Also, at the height of the season, one should not be surprised at the rather high prices, since this place is a popular international resort.
Almost all hotels in Saint Martin can boast of impeccable quality of service and excellent living conditions. Moreover, the most luxurious establishments are located not in cities, but outside them on the coast. Such hotels are large complexes with swimming pools, restaurants, spas, etc.
If you wish, you can not check into a hotel, but rent an apartment in one of the capitals (from $1,200 per week) or a villa on the coast (from $3,500 per week).
Entertainment and relaxation
First of all, guests of Saint Martin are offered a stunning selection of active entertainment: windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, diving, boat and sailboat trips, jungle safaris, fishing, horse riding, tennis, golf, picnics in nature or just relaxing on the beach.
The island’s “party” life is also very diverse, as nightclubs and bars begin their lives here closer to night, and there are also casinos on Dutch territory. Moreover, local clubs are so diverse that you can even hear such styles as merengue, jazz and zouk, and in the best restaurants you can hear classic compositions by Frank Sinatra and other famous performers of all times.
The island's snow-white beaches deserve special mention. Among them, the most popular are Great Bay, Long Bay, Anse Marcel, Cupecoy, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay and many others. In total, there are about 40 beaches on the island, many of which are replete with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. In addition to the beaches, the island has large resort areas with all the infrastructure accompanying a wonderful holiday. On French territory you can find beaches for nudists, among which Orient Bay is considered the most famous.
Another advantage of a holiday in Saint Martin is duty-free shopping in both capitals of the island, which are simply replete with a wide variety of shops and boutiques. Finally, it is recommended to take part in one of the local holidays, for example, the February Carnival.
Purchases
Saint Martin is recognized as one of the most popular shopping destinations in the region. The fact is that both parts of the island are duty-free zones. Thus, there are more than 500 Duty Free stores here, which offer a huge selection of electronics, watches, jewelry, crystal, French perfumes, fashionable clothes, Havana cigars and the best vintage wines.
In Philipsburg, the main place for shopping is Front Street, where there is a huge number of shops and shops that beckon with their bright windows. There are also fashion boutiques with clothes from the world's leading brands. And on Sundays there is a market in Philipsburg, whose traders offer interesting handicrafts.
The French city of Marigot also abounds with many interesting shops, fashion boutiques and luxury jewelry stores offering watches and jewelry from the most prestigious brands. In addition, Marigot has a huge market where you can buy the most unusual tropical fruits, fresh seafood and aromatic spices. They also sell original souvenirs made by local artisans.
Transport
Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the island (on its Dutch part). It should be noted that it is not entirely convenient, since it is located close to the beach, as a result of which planes often fly literally right over the heads of vacationers.
Traffic in Saint Martin is on the right, the roads are quite narrow, and sometimes not of very good quality.
Public transport on both halves of the island consists of taxis and buses. Minivans are used as buses, which, regardless of borders, can get you to any part of the island for a very small fee. However, the border between Dutch and French territories is rather arbitrary. Well, by taxi you can travel around the entire island for just $25. This relatively low price is not due to low tariffs, but to the very small size of Saint Martin. In addition, most local taxi drivers are happy to provide their services as a guide (about $50 per hour).
You can rent any car from one of the international companies, of which there are quite a lot here. Also, if desired, it is possible to rent a yacht, scooter, motorcycle, ATV or scooter.
Connection
The island has a high-quality and well-developed communication system. Telephone machines from which you can make international calls are installed in all populated areas and in all public places. All machines operate from several types of calling cards. The most common cards are CaribTel, which fit almost all phones. Such cards are sold in post offices, supermarkets, newsstands and telephone company offices. Also, any call can be made from a post office or from a hotel, but in the latter case the cost of an international call will be much more expensive. Please note that calls between the French and Dutch parts of Saint Martin are considered international.
Cellular communication in Saint Martin operates in the GSM 900/1800 standard, it is of good quality and covers the entire island. The international roaming service is available to all subscribers of major Russian operators.
Internet access is provided in an Internet cafe; the cost of a session depends on the connection speed and averages $5–10 per hour.
Safety
In general, Saint Martin has a fairly low crime rate, but pickpocketing does occur here.
For this reason, all generally accepted safety rules should be observed, especially for beaches, airports and public places. Theft from cars is also common on the island.
No special vaccinations are required to travel to Saint Martin. Vaccination against polio, typhus and hepatitis is recommended, although there are no natural foci for the spread of these diseases.
City tap water is purified and safe for consumption, but it is advisable to drink bottled water during the first days of your stay.
Business
The advantage of Saint Martin is its economic security and stability, as well as the fact that the entire island is a duty-free zone. The economy of both parts of the island as a whole depends on the tourism business, so considerable funds are invested in infrastructure development.
Real estate
The island of Saint Martin offers a wide selection of different real estate, which is intended for both personal use and for organizing a business. Moreover, here it can be owned not only by local residents, but also by foreign citizens.
On Dutch territory there are no restrictions on the purchase of real estate by non-residents of the country, and to complete the transaction it is enough to present a passport. The transfer of ownership of any real estate is carried out through a professional notary. This applies to both the French and Dutch parts of the island.
The most prestigious and expensive real estate on the island are the luxurious villas on the coast. The cost of such objects starts from $750,000 and can reach up to $3,000,000. Typically the price depends on the location and size of the villa.
It is this area that is the main source of income for the French territory. And the Dutch part of Saint Martin is an offshore zone where a large number of different foreign companies are registered. There is also no tax on any real estate and income from its sale.
Customs restrictions
The amount of exported and imported currency is not limited in any way, but the amount of more than 7,000 € must be declared.
Duty-free import of 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22°), up to 200 cigarettes, 100 grams of any tea, 500 grams of natural coffee and 50 milliliters of perfume is allowed.
The import and export of items of historical value, psychotropic substances, drugs, ammunition and weapons, endangered plants and animals is prohibited. The import of plants, animals, any animal products and vegetables from Haiti, as well as silver items and coins from Suriname and Holland are prohibited.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation to travel to Saint Martin need a visa, which can be obtained from the embassies of France or the Kingdom of the Netherlands (depending on which country the hotel is located in).
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in Moscow at the address: per. Kalashny, 6. You can also contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg: Moika embankment, 11. However, a visa issued for visiting Saint Martin does not give the right to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and holders of Schengen visas for travel You must apply for a separate visa for Saint Martin.
The French Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45. The Consulate General is located in St. Petersburg at the address: emb. Moiki, 15. A visa issued for a trip to Saint-Martin does not give the right to stay in France and the Schengen countries.
Detailed information about the country: Saint Martin. Photos, maps, population, cities, economy, climate, statistics collected by the US CIA / World factbook
| Introduction | Saint Martin, |
| The name of the country: | Saint Martin
|
| Story: | Saint Martin was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. In 1631, the Dutch occupied the island and began to develop its salt deposits. In 1633 the island was captured by the Spaniards, in 1648 the Spaniards abandoned the island and it was divided between the French and the Dutch. Until 1848, slave labor was used on the island. In 1939, a port was built on the island. Since 1970, the island began to develop as a tourism center. In 2003, a referendum was held on secession from the island of Guadelois and in 2007 the northern part of the island became a French overseas territory. |
| Geography | Saint Martin, |
| Location: | island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico |
| Geographical coordinates: | 18°05´N, 63°57´W |
| Map link: | Central America and the CaribbeanShow map: Saint Martin, : |
| Country area: | total area: 54.4 sq. km 234th place / Compare with other countries: / Dynamics of change: |
| Area in comparison: | more than one-third the area of Washington, D.C. |
| Border Length: | Total: 15 km
|
| Coast length: | 58.9 km (for the entire island) |
| Climate | Saint Martin, |
| Climate: | low humidity, short, intense rain showers; July-November - hurricane season |
| Height above sea level: | lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m;
|
| Natural resources: | salt |
| Environment: | fresh water supply depends on seawater desalination |
| Geography - note: | Saint Martin is the smallest island state in the world, divided by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sinta Maarten |
| Population | Saint Martin, |
| Population: | 36,286 (2011 census)212th place / Compare with other countries: / Dynamics of change: |
| Ethnic groups: | Creoles (mulatto), blacks, Guadeloupe mestizo (French-Indian origin), whites, Indians |
| Religions: | mostly Catholics, but also Jehovah's Witnesses, Protestants, Hindus |
| Languages: | French (official), many also speak English, Dutch, Patois (Creole based on French), Spanish, Papiamento (Creole based on Dutch) |
| Addiction: | overseas community of France |
| Control | Saint Martin, |
| The name of the country: | conventional long form: Overseas Territory of Saint-Martin
|
| Capital: | name: Marigo Show largest cities: Saint Martin, : |
| Independence: | |
| National holidays: | Bastille Day, July 14 (1789); Please note - local holiday - Shoolker Day (Abolition Day) July 12 (1848) |
| Constitution: | 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) |
| Legal system: | French laws |
| Right to vote from: | 18 years old, universal |
| Executive branch: | head of state: President François Hollande (since 15 May 2012), represented by Prefect Jack Simmones; |
| Legislature: | unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members elected by popular vote for 5 years);
|
| Political parties and their leaders: | no data |
| Political organizations and their leaders: | no data |
| Participation in International organizations: | UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION, WFTU |
| Diplomatic missions in the USA: | no (foreign territory of France) |
| Diplomatic missions from the USA: | no (foreign territory of France) |
| Flag Description: | the flag of France is used |
| Economy | Saint Martin, |
| Economics - overview: | The economy of St. Maarten is 85% dependent on tourism income. More than one million tourists come to the island every year. All food on the island is imported, since there is no domestic production. Energy resources and industrial goods are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States. Saint Martin has the highest per capita income in the Caribbean. |
| GDP - sector composition: | agriculture: 1%
|
| Working population by industry: | 85% are directly or indirectly employed in the tourism business |
| Industries: | tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry |
| Import - raw materials: | crude oil, food |
| Exchange rates: | euro (EURO) to US dollar - 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003) |
| Communication / Internet | Saint Martin, |
| Telephone system: | overall rating: fully integrated access
|
| Radio stations: | FM 3 (2007) |
| Internet code: | .mf |
| Transport | Saint Martin, |
| Airports: | 1234th place / Compare with other countries: / Dynamics of change: |
| Airports - with paved runways: | total quantity: 1
|
| Transport - addition: | The closest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport, located in Sinta Maarten |
| Defense | Saint Martin, |
| Annual replenishment of labor resources for military service: | men: 186
|
| Miscellaneous | Saint Martin, |
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