General
Island name: Sint Maarten.
Country: Netherland Antilles (NT).
Nationality: Dutch Antillean.
Languages: Dutch (officially), English.
Island Capital: Philipsburg.
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.rs.
Geography
Coastline: 58.9 km (for entire island).
Size: 6 km x 12 km, 54.4 sq km (37 square miles total; 16 Dutch
and 21 French).
Terrain: generally hilly, volcanic interiors.
Tourist Information
Overview: the island is divided between two sovereign states,
France and the Netherlands, with an unpoliced border cutting through its
southern portion. The entire island boasts 80 different nationalities.
There are many good sand beaches. Plenty good restaurants, excellent shopping
facilities, night clubs and casinos. Philipsburg has many art galleries,
jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
Average tourist arrivals: 440,185 (2009).
Geographic coordinates: 12 15 N, 68 45 W.
Highest point: Pic du Paradis, 425 m, is the highest point
on the island with two viewing areas that provide great views.
Location: Caribbean, east of the US Virgin Islands, north of
Saint Barthelemy, 300 km from the coast of Puerto Rico.
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.
Time: GMT/UTC -4.
Money
Cost of living: high.
Tipping and Taxes: hotel bills include a tax of 5 %, and often
a service charge of 15 %. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped between
10 and 15 % if not included in the bill. 8 % government tax.
Air Transport
Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The airport
is located 15 km (9 miles) west of Philipsburg. Departure Tax is US $20.
Water Transport
Electricity: 110 volts.
Telephone: +599. Calls between the Dutch and French sides of
the island are considered international calls.
Politics
Economy
Industries: tourism. |