Saint Martin (island), island in
the West Indies, one of the Leeward Islands, between the islands of Anguilla and
Saint-Barthélemy. The northern portion,
called Saint-Martin, is a dependency of Guadeloupe, an overseas department of
France; the southern portion, called Sint Maarten,
is internally self-governed and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Agriculture
and industry are limited, but the tropical, breezy climate and natural beauty of
Saint Martin attract many tourists. The main French town, Marigot, and the
principal Dutch town, Philipsburg, are both free ports. The Dutch and the French
simultaneously occupied the island in 1648 and on March 23 of that year they
agreed to divide it. Area of the French possession, 52 sq km (20 sq mi); area of
the Dutch section, 34 sq km (13 sq mi). Population of the Dutch portion of the
island (1991) 33,459. Population of the French portion (1990) 28,518.
Marigot, on the French side of the island
Restaurant below the old fortification, Marigot
La Residence Hotel, Marigot
typical traditional dwellings, Marigot
other Caribbean islands
The islands of the
Caribbean offer a diversity of peoples and culture,
determined by which nation
first exploited its agriculture, often through the use of slaves.
Saint Maarten (Dutch side of Island)
Saint Martin (French side of Island)
