General Island: Saba. Country: Netherland Antilles (NT). Nationality: Dutch Antillean. Language:  Dutch, Papiamento and English (unofficial). Island Capital: The Bottom. Population: 1,349 (2001 census). Density:  104 per sq km (285 per sq mi). Weather today: click here for intellicast weather forecast.

Geography

Area: total: 13,790 sq km, land: 8,870 sq km, water: 4,921 sq km.

Coastline: 501 km.

Geographic coordinates: 12 15 N, 68 45 W.

Highest point: Mount Scenery, 862 m.

Location: Caribbean, east of the US Virgin Islands.

Size: 13 km² (5 sq. miles).

Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas.
 

Tourist Information

Overview: Tiny Saba (pronounced "Say-ba"), also known as "The Rock" or "The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean" is the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles. There are no good beaches on Saba, but the Saba National Marine Park, which circles the entire island, is one of the best places in the world to dive. Because of the islands volcanic origins there are spectacular formations and structural diversity under water. Saba is a small and quiet island and has no crime, no high rises, no traffic or traffic lights, no pesty insects, no crowds, no fast food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. But Saba has a few nightlife options, even during the week. In late July, Saba's Carnival festival takes place, a week long celebration of dancing, music, parades and competitions, offering visitors a taste of Saban culture, art and flair. It certainly is the most festive time of year when this sleepy little island seems to come alive.

Accommodations: There are no international hotel chains or large-scale resorts on Saba, but there are a number of excellent small hotels.

Activities: scuba diving, hiking, snorkeling.

Average tourist arrivals: 11,957 (2009).

Driving: On the right with valid international driver's license.

Telephone: County code plus local area code is +599-41.

Time: GMT/UTC -4.

Tourist Office website: www.sabatourism.com.
 

Money

Cost of living:

Credit cards:

Currency: Netherlands Antilles guilder - U.S. dollars widely accepted.

Tipping and Taxes: Hotels and restaurants usually add a service charge of 10-15 % to your bill. Restaurant tabs should be tipped 10-15 %, if not already added. Tip taxis drivers a dollar or two. Government room tax is 5 %. 
 

Air Transport

Airport: Saba has one of the shortest runways in the entire Caribbean. Only small planes in good weather. Departure tax is US$ 10 to other Netherland Antilles islands, US$ 20 for other destinations.

Departure Tax: . 

Flight Times: .
 

Water Transport

Ferry Service:

Ports and harbors:
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: mixed black 85%, other 15% (includes Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian.

Government type: parliamentary. Bonaire is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs.

Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence.

Literacy: 96.7 %.

Religions: Roman Catholic 72 %, Pentecostal 4.9 %, Protestant 3.5 %, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.1 %, Methodist 2.9 %, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7 %, other Christian 4.2 %, Jewish 1.3 %, other or unspecified 1.2 %, none 5.2 %.
 

Economy

Agriculture-products: Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture.

GDP per capita: US$ 16,000.

Industries: tourism. Saba appeals mainly to scuba divers, hikers and naturalists in search of peace and tranquility. 

Natural resources: salt.

Unemployment rate: 17.0 %.