Fact & Figures
Population: 41,000 (Dutch side); 36,000 (French side)
Capital: Philipsburg, AKA Town
Highest point: Pic Paradis (424m)
Surface: Dutch side 25km2; French side 33km2
Language: Dutch and English on the Dutch side; French on French side
Currency: On the Dutch side US dollars and Antillean guilders; on the French side euros and the US dollar. The guilder is pinned to the US dollar, so rates remain constant
Electricity: Dutch side (110 volts); French side (220 volts)
Climate: Year-round temperature 26 - 28C
Average rainfall: 102cm
Nickname: The Friendly Island
Facts about St. Maarten you should know:
- Each side of the island has its own laws and a phone call from one side of the island to the other is considered an international call.
- If you'd like eat like the locals order a conch & dumplings, which tastes much better then it sounds.
- If you are leaving on an international flight, remember you have to pay a $30 departure tax. Those travelling to another island within the Dutch Caribbean have to pay $10. Some airlines include the tax in the price of the ticket.
