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Collectivity of Saint Martin
Collectivité de
Saint-Martin
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| Anthem: La
Marseillaise |
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| Capital (and largest city) |
Marigot | |||||
| Official languages | French | |||||
| Ethnic groups | Mulatto, West African, Mestizo (French-East Asia), European, East Indian[1] | |||||
| Government | ||||||
| - | President of France | Nicolas Sarkozy | ||||
| - | Prefect | Dominique Lacroix | ||||
| - | President of the Territorial Council | Frantz Gumbs | ||||
| Overseas Collectivity | of France | |||||
| - | Island divided between France and the Netherlands | 23 March 1648 | ||||
| - | as separate Overseas Collectivity | 15 July 2007 | ||||
| Area | ||||||
| - | Total | 53.2 km2 (
not ranked) 20.5 sq mi |
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| - | Water (%) | negligible | ||||
| Population | ||||||
| - | 1 Jan. 2006 census | 35,263[2] | ||||
| - | Density | 663/km2 (not ranked) 1,612/sq mi |
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| HDI (2003) | n/a (unranked) (n/a) | |||||
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) |
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| Time zone | (UTC-4) | |||||
| - | Summer (DST) | (UTC-3) | ||||
| Internet TLD | .mf assigned but not in use, .fr and .gp in use | |||||
Saint Martin (French: Saint-Martin), officially the Collectivity of Saint Martin (French: Collectivité de Saint-Martin) is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Caribbean. It came into being on 15 July 2007[3], encompassing the northern parts of the island of Saint Martin and neighbouring islets, the largest of which is Île Tintamarre. The southern part of the island, Sint Maarten, is part of the Netherlands Antilles which is part of the Netherlands.
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Saint Martin was for many years a French commune forming part of Guadeloupe, which is an overseas région and département of France and is therefore in the European Union. In 2003 the population of the French part of the island voted in favour of secession from Guadeloupe in order to form a separate overseas collectivity (COM) of France.[4] On 9 February 2007, the French Parliament passed a bill granting COM status to both the French part of Saint Martin and neighbouring Saint Barthélemy.[5] The new status took effect once the local assembly was elected on 15 February 2007.[6] Saint Martin remains part of the European Union.[7]
The new governance structure befitting an overseas collectivity took effect on 15 July 2007 with the first session of the Territorial Council (French: Conseil territorial) and the election of Louis-Constant Fleming as president of the Territorial Council. On 25 July 2008 Fleming resigned after being sanctioned by the Conseil d'État for one year over problems with his 2007 election campaign[8]. On 7 August, Frantz Gumbs was elected as President of the Territorial Council[9]. However, his election was declared invalid on 10 April 2009 and Daniel Gibbs appointed as Acting President of the Territorial Council on 14 April 2009.[10] However, Gumbs was reelected on 5 May 2009.[11]
Before 2007, Saint Martin was coded as GP (Guadeloupe) in ISO 3166-1. In October 2007, it received the ISO 3166-1 code MF (alpha-2 code), MAF (alpha-3 code), and 663 (numeric code).[12]
| Parties | 1st round | 2nd round | Seats | ||||
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| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||||
| Union for Progress/UMP (Union pour le Progrès, Louis Constant-Fleming) | 2,829 | 40.35 | 3,753 | 48.96 | 16 | ||
| Rally Responsibility Success (Rassemblement responsabilité réussite, Alain Richardson) | 2,237 | 31.90 | 3,231 | 42.15 | 6 | ||
| Succeed Saint Martin (Réussir Saint-Martin, Jean-Luc Hamlet) | 767 | 10.94 | 681 | 8.89 | 1 | ||
| Alliance (Alliance, Dominique Riboud) | 635 | 9.05 | — | — | — | ||
| Democratic Alliance for Saint Martin (Alliance démocratique pour Saint-Martin, Wendel Cocks) | 544 | 7.76 | — | — | — | ||
| Total | 7,012 | 100.00 | 7,665 | 100.00 | 23 | ||
| Source: RFO1, RFO2 | |||||||
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The French part of the island has a land area of 53.20 km² (20.5 sq mi). At the January 2006 French census, the population in the French part of the island was 35,263 (up from only 8,072 inhabitants at the 1982 census), which means a population density of 663 inhabitants per km² in 2006.
| 1885 | 1961 | 1967 | 1974 | 1982 | 1990 | 1999 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,400 | 4,502 | 5,061 | 6,191 | 8,072 | 28,518 | 29,078 | 35,263 |
| Official figures from French censuses. | |||||||
The official currency of Saint Martin is the euro, though the US dollar is also widely accepted. Tourism is the main economic activity.
INSEE estimated that the total GDP of Saint Martin amounted to 421 million euros in 1999 (US$449 million at 1999 exchanges rates; US$599 million at Oct. 2007 exchange rates).[13] In that same year the GDP per capita of Saint Martin was 14,500 euros (US$15,500 at 1999 exchanges rates; US$20,600 at Oct. 2007 exchange rates), which was 39% lower than the average GDP per capita of metropolitan France in 1999.[13] In comparison, the GDP per capita on the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten, was 14,430 euros in 2004.[14]
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This article is about the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean. For other uses of Saint Martin see Saint Martin (disambiguation).
Saint Martin is an island split between French Guadeloupe and the Dutch Netherlands Antilles. It is one of the smallest land masses divided between two countries.
The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin, and is 21 square miles. The southern, Dutch side of the island is known as Sint Maarten, and is 16 square miles. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as "the French side" and "the Dutch side".
(see "Do" below)
Although this island is controlled by two different countries, there is no real border. There are only monuments and signs that delineate the border. Over 350 years ago the two countries decided that residents of either country could travel across both sides of the border without worrying about any trouble. The two countries live peacefully without difficulties which increases tourism. Any separation is more from separate and dissimilar utilities systems, e.g., power on French side is 250V 50 Hz, while the Netherlands side is 110/120 60 Hz. In addition, one must take special care when dialing from the French to Dutch or Dutch to French side as it is, in effect, an international call and requires special dialing instructions. These instructions are typically posted at hotels and tourist locations.
The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, has become a leading destination in the real estate market with more and more developments being constructed. There are high rise condominiums and waterfront communities, all of which are popular to buyers, especially American. Tourists on the streets are frequently approached by timeshare offers for them. The language on this side of the island is Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English.
Grocery stores and other businesses may have prices expressed in Netherlands Antilles Florins (NAF) which is the Local currency also called Guilders, but the US dollar and the Euro will be gladly accepted at these establishments as well. Many large resorts have been built and on many days cruise ships flood Phillipsburg with their passengers. Phillipsburg is one of the Caribbean's best shopping towns. If shopping's not your thing, you can sit out back on Phillipsburg's harbor beach and have a drink. Or play at one of the casinos just down the street. There are nine on this side. When it all gets too mellow, go rip it up with a 4x4 excursion around the island. Visit the Maho and Cupecoy area for some of the best nightlife on the island and some of the best beaches.
The French side, Saint Martin, consists of the Northern two-thirds of the island. It is governed by the neighboring island of Guadaloupe, and is more European than the Dutch. The native language is French and has the same guiding laws as France. There are no casinos on the French side. It is less developed than the Dutch side, but contains more of the island's natural wonders. The French side is popularly known for clothing-optional Orient Beach and the adjacent nudist resort, Club Orient. [1] However the towns of Marigot and Grand Case provide some of the best gourmet meals anywhere and plenty of interesting shops. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbors, sandy-cliffed beaches or just tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty.
Dutch and French are the official languages on their respective sides of the island. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Children on both sides of the island are educated in French, Dutch, English and Spanish so language is typically not a barrier when visiting the island.
Last year, over 1.3 million people visited the island by Cruise ships, landing mostly in Philipsburg using an extended wharf from a 3-year project that ended in 2005. At times, four cruise ships visit at once; in high-season, more may be anchored off-shore. They make the city of Philipsburg the busiest city on the island. (As of December 2009, construction of a second nearby wharf has been finished to cater to next-generation super cruise ships that will soon visit. However, dredging continues to create enough depth for those ships, resulting in huge piles of sand on shore that may be used to re-build Philipsburg's main beach...eroded by storms.) Many days in "high season", you may see 4-6 ships; in low season, one occasional ship is more common. You can find usually-accurate schedules for this and many ports and dates at [3].
The main cruise docks for Philipsburg are a substantial and currently (December 2009) dusty walk from downtown due to roadside construction, heat, missing sidewalks, and dust/dirt from passage of many large vehicles. However, a short walk from the cruise ship docks you'll find:
Marigot port is limited to hosting one small-sized cruise ship at a time, but is also served by attractive marinas supporting yachts of all sizes. Most inter-island ferry service also arrives/departs at Marigot.
Rental cars are available at Princess Juliana International Airport at a dedicated area outside of the airport. You'll find most of the major rental car companies such as Avis [4], Budget [5], Hertz [6], Unity Cars [7] and E-Z Rent-A-Car [8] available at the airport. The roads are narrow, sometimes quite bad on both sides of the island, and often very crowded between Philipsburg and Marigot. See also "Stay Safe" below.
Motorcycles, quads and scooters are also available for rent, however it is advisable that you have some experience on these vehicles before venturing into St. Maarten's sometimes very hectic traffic.
Taxi cabs are usually vans, which are geared towards servicing the cruise ship traffic. To go completely around the island will cost about $25 USD per person. Most drivers are quite willing and able to hire-out as tour guides. Most charge $45-50 per hour, and can offer a custom experience for 3-4 people that's less expensive and far more versatile and satisfying than large bus tours offered by cruise ships or hotels.
Saint Martin has a bus system using small minivans. You can get most anywhere on the island for just a few dollars. They run frequently between Philipsburg and Marigot. Ask a local where the bus stops are, and look for license plates that say (oddly enough) "bus".
If you are driving (especially on the French side) expect a lot of scooters and motorcycles to speed around you on both sides of the road. This can be startling to drivers not used to two wheeled traffic as it can create a dangerous situation. If you stay in your lane and don't waver you can trust most of the time that the cyclists will pass you safely. It's better to just let them pass you at a steady pace then try and slow down, pull to the side, etc.
Once you reach Philipsburg, Marigot or Grand Case, you can get around nicely on foot. The distances in each are not long. Take some care in Philipsburg and Marigot with heavy traffic and narrow, sometimes missing sidewalks.
One particularly famous beach is Maho Bay beach. The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, meaning large aircraft fly just feet over your head. Some people hold on to (or attempt to hold on to) the fence on airport premises as aircraft depart, but this isn't recommended. People have been injured doing this. However, the spectacular view of the airplanes landing so close is one that should definitely not be missed. Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, with food and drink vendors and beach lounger rentals but few facilties. Virtually all beaches are described in web sites for the island. A full complement of tours and excursions are also available as well as watersports and parasailing.
The island has a deserved reputation as an excellent place to shop, rivaling Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for price and selection, but somewhat fewer stores. Some shoppers report better prices for some items than the USVI. Shopping is duty free on both sides of the island.
Euros and US dollars are commonly accepted on both sides of the island, as are Credit Cards. However there are many places that do not accept Cards, so you should ask beforehand. Always have some cash on you for smaller purchases and for transport. Expect change in local currency for small cash transactions.
Items are often priced in Euros on the French side, so some items are or appear to be more expensive (after currency conversion) than on the Dutch side or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Both "sides" offer a wide range of quality. Many stores on the French side close between 12 and 3 PM.
The French side has a smaller number of retailers, and their goods (e.g., clothing, perfumes, wine) tend to be premium, European brand-name or designer items. However, unique items (e.g., souvenirs, spices) particularly at the water-front open-air market in Marigot are more reasonable, and the banter among vendors is worth the visit. French wine and delicacy lovers may find premium offerings on this "side" that are available perhaps nowhere else in the Caribbean. However, if you are shopping on Sunday, forget the French side...the only places open are restaurants and food stores. The same tends to be true for the Dutch side except when cruise ships are in port.
The US dollar is readily accepted on the Dutch side. Front Street in Philipsburg is the center of shopping on the Dutch side. Numerous stores offer jewelry, liquor, cosmetics, cameras, electronics and tobacco, with souvenirs everywhere; you'll find a small open-air bazaar behind the courthouse. Those looking for well-priced beachwear and souvenirs should try Back Street...one block farther from the beach than Front Street and parallel to it. For cheese lovers, mild Dutch Gouda, in boxes or 5 and 10 kilogram "wheels", is a popular buy in supermarkets, e.g., Grand Marche and Sangs (beyond the east end of Front Street in Philipsburg); ensure each wheel is still sealed from the maker to avoid spoilage and questions or seizure by Customs. Shops are generally open from 8 or 9 am until noon, and then again from 2 until 6 p.m. If one or more cruise ships are visiting, many stores remain open during the "lunch" period and on Sundays.
Store recommendations by cruise ship "port shopping advisers" are usable, but the stores pay very large fees for those "endorsements". Most stores are reliable, and will rectify any problem truly their responsibility. Best insurance is to thoroughly examine an item before purchase & always obtain a formal appraisal for pricey gems/jewelry. Ensure that any item (e.g., electronics, watch, camera) that needs a service warranty has one that's usable at home, and understand the consequences if it is a "grey market" or international warranty.
Most merchants touted by cruise lines are near or east of the courthouse on Front Street...in-part recently renovated for pleasant walking despite heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with sometimes crowded sidewalks. Those stores and others offer excellent selections. A few liquor stores may box bottles and perhaps deliver to your hotel or ship if given enough time. West of the courthouse you'll find more independent stores, e.g., for jewelry and aggressively discounted liquor, e.g., Caribbean Paradise...cash only, boxes only for major purchases, no delivery so bring a sturdy bag and padding to safely carry bottles.
While The state of the world economy can affect bargaining success more, in Philipsburg prices may fluctuate slightly based on the number and size of cruise ships in port (see "Get in" "By Boat" above). Fewer ships can mean slower sales for merchants, so you may have more bargaining power. Whenever considering a significant purchase, negotiate amiably.
Anyone on the streets touting "freebies" or "cash" will likely lead you to a distant, on-site sales pitch for resort condos or time-shares. Many involve high pressure tactics over an extended time, with "freebies" governed by willingness to buy. If you have only limited time for your visit, it may be totally consumed at the sales pitch.
Duty Issues: Though St Martin is a duty-free port, it offers no special customs duty advantages over other Caribbean islands, and for U.S. citizens a slight disadvantage compared to the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Note: Merchants do pay a three percent "turnover tax" on all items they sell. Some add the three percent as a separate cost item on sales slips, despite instructions from the tax authority not to do so.) Nonetheless, you may find well-priced items here that you won't find elsewhere, and prices on commodity items (e.g., some premium liquors, wines) may be better than the USVI. Take care when calculating cost per liter for purchases, and when declaring liters for Customs because bottle sizes vary. Don't allow yourself to be dissuaded from a purchase here just for fear of U.S. Customs duties, which may be modest. (See Saint Thomas for important U.S. Customs details.)
The island has some 300 restaurants with a wide variety of offerings available to both tourists and locals. The French cuisine and local flare is an exciting experience to most, but if you are apprehensive about trying new things, there are other restaurants to dine at. The island has restaurants that are American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Vegetarian and more. Large modern supermarkets are available with American and European products as well, if you would rather not eat out.
If you are not feeling adventurous, the Dutch Side has several American fast food franchises including McDonalds(2), Burger King(3), Subway(5), Pizza Hut(3), Dominoes(6), KFC(4) and Bubble Tea(4). In Philipsburg, you'll even find a BK "in front" of the courthouse and a Macs a block west on Front Street...both at least convenient for a cold soft drink during your "hot" shopping.
If you want to save some cash, eat where the locals eat on the cheap, both the french and Dutch sides of the island feature many Chinese restaurants, but the Dutch Side is the hands down winner with over 40 of them. In addition to the regular far eastern fare, these inexpensive eateries feature many local dishes, and caribbeanized (no,that's not a word, but you catch my drift) Chinese food.
Want to try something really different, stop at one the roadside food trucks for some take-away, one of these trucks located in Phillipsburg serves some of the best Suriname food on the island. Try the Chicken Sate with Bami or go light with a Soato Soup.
Enjoy Lunch, swim on a beautiful Beach and watch the Airplanes land at Tortuga at Maho.
When dining:
When making an international phone call: Be sure to investigate pre-paid phone cards. The most expensive type of international phone call is to use a credit card. Companies like International Satellite Communications, which handle credit card calls, charge exorbitant connection fees and per-minute rates.
The drinking age of the island is 18 years old. St. Martin's nightlife consists of many bars, nightclubs and casinos where drinking is prevalent. Start out with a happy hour at "Bamboo Bernies" where drinking is free for a half an hour and continues until seven with the highest drink price of a dollar! Many of the clubs have ladies' nights as well as other nightly drink specials. The Dutch side of the island has more night clubs than the French, so if you're up for the party scene, this side is the one where you should stay. Large wine menus are also usually available at most restaurants.
Dance Bliss Night Club, at the Caravanserai Beach Resort. Night spot not far from the Princess Juliana International Airport, has a Restaurant, 2 Bars, Cabana seating around the pool and superb views of the ocean. Popular for locals and tourists.
St. Martin's hotel rooms, almost without exception, rent for US$100+ per night and often much more, and generous taxes and service charges are then also applied. High season is from December through April. Accommodations are considerably less the rest of the year. If you are doing last minute travel when you call ahead ask for the "local rate" rather than what you will normally get which is the "walk-in rate", it can save you a considerable amount of money in some situations.
Locate some common sense and bring it with you when vacationing anywhere in the Caribbean. Here...
There are in general no dress codes for most places on St. Martin, however some high-end Restaurants and Night Clubs do have some, find out before hand to avoid any disappointment.
Keep in mind that St. Martin has a great deal of cultural diversity and true locals are far outnumbered by immigrants from poorer and less urbane areas. Dressing too risque can give the impression that you are looking for "a good time" and attract unwanted attention. It can also be offensive to many locals if you wander around in places other than the beaches and pools in your swimsuit. You wouldn't walk around your local supermarket in your swimsuit, so don't do it in St. Martin either, it's disrespectful and you will be treated accordingly.
When leaving St. Martin by plane, travelers pay an exit tax at the Phillipsburg airport. Travellers departing on international flights pay US$30. Exempt are passengers flying with certain airlines, transit passengers and children under two. This tax is included in some airfares but for others travelers must pay at the airport. As of November 2007, US Airways does cover this tax. The exit tax to the other Netherlands Antilles Islands such as Saba and St. Eustatius is only $10. The exit tax does not apply to in transit travelers.
Short-hop flights, and ferryboats from Marigot, are available to nearby islands such as St Barthelemy, Anguilla, and Saba. Water crossings can can be quite rough, but take only 30 minutes or so to St Barts and Anguilla.
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