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St. Martin Facts
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General

Island name: St. Martin (RN, northern part of the Island).

Country: France (overseas collectivity).

Nationalities: The entire island boasts 80 different nationalities.

Language: French (official language), English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles).

Island Capital: Marigot.

Population: 33,102 (October 2004 census).

Climate: temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; July-Novemeber is the hurricane season.
 

Geography

Coastline: 58.9 km (for entire island).

Geographic coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W.

Highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m.

Location: island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico.

Size: 7 km x 14 km, 54.4 sq km.
 

Tourist Information

Currency: Since January 01, 2002, the Euro ((EUR), €) has come into effect in the European Union, and St Barths. The US dollar is widely used and accepted. Euros per US dollar - 0.7345 (2007). 

Electricity: 120 volts at 60 cycles; outlets use the standard European two cylinder plugs (diferent to Sint Maarten).

Entry Requirements: Nationals of the member countries of the European Union just need an ID card (we are indeed in Europe, although not being "within" the Schengen bounderies). For North American citizens, a valid passport, as well as a return ticket are compulsory. The citizens of some other countries (notably some Caribbean islands) should have a visa. 

Safety: Most visits to the island are trouble-free, however crime has been increasing in recent years and visitors should refrain from leaving valuables unattended on beaches, in cars and hotel lobbies. Burglaries and break-ins occur sometimes at resorts, beach houses and hotels and there have been incidents of armed robbery. Precautions should also be taken against car theft and insurance cover is advisable.

Telephone: the international: country code is +596.

Time: The local time is GMT - 4h. There is a 5 hour difference with France in winter and 6 hours in summer. For example, when it's midday in St Barth, it is 5 pm in Paris in December or 6 pm in August. With regard to the United States, in summertime the East coast time is the same as in St Barths, and in winter St Barth "lives" one hour later.
 

Money

Tipping: hotels usually add 5 % occupancy tax per person, but a small gratuity is appreciated for good service. Restaurants and hotels usually add a service charge of 10 to 15 % to the bill, and it is always best to check the bill. Taxi drivers and porters expect to be tipped, particularly if they have handled luggage.
 

Air Transport

Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The airport is located 15 km (9 miles) west of Philipsburg in St Maarten.
 

Water Transport

Ferry Service: The Anguilla ferry terminal is in the village of Blowing Point. Ferries are leaving to St. Martin several times a day. 

Ports and harbors: Blowing Point, Road Bay. 
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian.

Government type: Parliamentary Democracy.

Legal system: the laws of France, where applicable, apply.

Religions: Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu.
 

Economy

Agriculture-products: .

GDP per capita: 14,500 euros (1999).

Industries: tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry.

Natural resources: Salt.

Unemployment rate: 12.9% (2000).