Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is one of the most touristed islands in the Caribbean , but despite the large resorts, casinos, fast-food chains and a sophisticated capital it still has quiet niches to explore. There are powdery white-sand beaches, secluded coves and good diving.

The island is a prime jumping-off point for trips to its neighbours - it's cheap and easy to get to Anguilla, Saba and Sint Eustatius, some of the region's most rural and least developed destinations. And the lower-key French side of the island is a short trip from anywhere in Sint Maarten.

Area: 34 sq km
Population: 32,000
People: Mixed African and European descent
Language: Dutch, English
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist
Government: Municipality of the Netherlands Antilles
Head of State: Governor ( Netherlands Antilles) Frits Goedgedrag
Head of Government: Prime Minister ( Netherlands Antilles ) Mirna Louisa-Godett

GDP: US$2.4 billion
GDP per capita: US$11,500
Inflation: 3.3%
Major Industries: Tourism, salt.
Major Trading Partners: USA , Venezuela , Colombia , Netherlands , Japan

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: US and Canadian citizens don't need visas or passports, only proof of citizenship.
Health risks: Sunburn
Time: GMT/UTC -4 (Atlantic Standard Time)
Dialling Code: 5995
Electricity: 110V ,60Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go

St Maarten is comfortably warm all year; room rates are cheaper during the low season (December to February).

Events

Sint Maarten's Carnival usually begins the second week after Easter and lasts for two weeks, with steel band competitions, jump-ups, calypso concerts, beauty contests and costume parades. Sint Maarten Day on 11 November commemorates the peaceful 1817 reconciliation of the Dutch with their French neighbors.

The Heineken Regatta , held the first weekend in March, features competitions for racing yachts, large sailboats and small multihulls.

Public Holidays
1 January - New Year's Day
Easter (early April) - Good Friday, Easter Monday
30 April - Queen's Day
1 May - Labor Day
Early May - day after the last Carnival parade
40th day after Easter - Ascension Thursday
11 November - Sint Maarten Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day

Money & Costs

Currency: Netherlands Antilles Guilder

Meals

• Budget: US$5-10
• Mid-range: US$10-30
• High: US$30+

Lodging

• Budget: US$35-55
• Mid-range: US$55-100
• High: US$100+

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