Sint Maarten

Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 58
Currency
💱 Netherlands Antillean guilder
Languages
🗣️ Dutch, English, French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 26 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Sint Maarten
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
St. Maartener
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.sx
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+1
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Philipsburg
ISO Alpha-2
SX
ISO Alpha-3
SXM
UN Code
534
Geographic Coordinates
18.033333,-63.05
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
34#239 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
58,477#208 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
1,257.32
Highest Point (m)
401 meters (Mount Flagstaff).
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Caribbean Sea).
Land Use
Primarily urban and tourist-related; some agriculture.
Irrigated Land
Information on irrigated land is unavailable.
Coastline Length
37 kilometers.
Climate
Tropical marine; hot and humid; little seasonal temperature variation.
Natural Resources
Salt.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Saint Martin
Major Rivers
This island has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island has no major lakes.
Government Type
Constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Administrative Divisions
8 districts.
Chief of State
King Willem-Alexander (represented by the Governor).
Head of Government
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.
Cabinet
Council of Ministers.
Elections
Elections for the Parliament are held every four years.
Judicial Branch
Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament.
Major Political Parties
Various political parties participate in elections.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Netherlands Antillean guilder
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.89#191 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.48#186 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
42,978.13#37 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2013)Checked September 29, 2026
0.08
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
6.03
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
89.34
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
2.19#123 of 191
Labor Force (people)
The labor force size fluctuates with tourism and economic activity; recent data is needed for an accurate figure.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment rates vary; recent data is needed for an accurate figure.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Data on Sint Maarten's public debt is not consistently available as it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Budget
Sint Maarten's budget is managed as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports are primarily related to tourism; data is not precisely tracked.
Imports (US$ billion)
Sint Maarten imports a variety of goods to support tourism; data is not precisely tracked.
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are managed as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
GDP by Sector
Tourism and related services dominate Sint Maarten's economy.
Major Industries
Tourism, hospitality, and related services are the major industries.
Major Export Partners
The primary 'export' partner is the tourism industry attracting visitors from various countries.
Major Import Partners
Imports originate from various countries, primarily to support the tourism industry.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy rates are high; however, precise figures are not always readily available.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.3
Net Migration Rate
Migration patterns vary depending on economic conditions.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 40 years, but this varies.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
100#1 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Sint Maarten is already highly urbanized; any further urbanization is minimal.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76.5#89 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Prevalence rates are tracked, but recent specific data is needed.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditure data is not always precisely available as an independent entity.
Ethnic Groups
The population is diverse, with significant Afro-Caribbean, European, and North American populations.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion, with various denominations present.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Dutch, English, French

Education

Education System
The education system in Sint Maarten follows the Dutch system, with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2014)Checked September 29, 2026
12.3
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is a significant portion of the budget, supporting schools and educational programs.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is a prominent institution on the island.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Sint Maarten's culture is a blend of European, African, and Caribbean influences, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and tourism.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Nieuwjaarsdag (2026-01-01)
  • Karnaval (2026-02-16)
  • Goede vrijdag (2026-04-03)
  • Pasen (2026-04-05)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Koningsdag (2026-04-27)
  • Dag van de Arbeid (2026-05-01)
  • Hemelvaartsdag (2026-05-14)
  • Pinksteren (2026-05-24)
  • Emancipation Day (2026-07-01)
  • Constitution Day (2026-10-10)
  • Sint Maarten Day (2026-11-11)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include soca, calypso, reggae, and zouk, reflecting Caribbean influences.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods feature seafood, johnnycakes, and callaloo, reflecting the island's culinary heritage.
Sports
Popular sports include watersports like sailing and windsurfing, along with cricket and football.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include Carnival, known for its parades and vibrant celebrations.
Famous People
Notable figures from Sint Maarten include artists, athletes and politicians.
Cultural Heritage Sites
There are historical sites, such as forts and plantation ruins, that reflect the island's heritage.
UNESCO Sites
Sint Maarten does not currently have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Data not readily available.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of the economy.
Top Tourist Attractions
Beaches, water sports, and duty-free shopping.
Famous Cities
Philipsburg.
National Parks
None listed.
Protected Areas
Limited protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary, check with embassy.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Check advisories from your country.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality varies; data is needed for an accurate assessment.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary and are influenced by the island's dependence on imported goods and services.
Number of Hospitals
There is at least one major hospital on the island.
Universal Healthcare
Sint Maarten's healthcare system is primarily based on a social health insurance model, offering access to healthcare services.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, including hospitals and clinics, but may be limited compared to larger countries.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, including ambulance services.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 911.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 911.
Crime Rate
Crime rates are moderate; petty theft may occur in tourist areas.
Safety Index
The safety index is relatively high, especially in tourist areas.
Military Expenditure
Sint Maarten does not have its own military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments, are available to residents and tourists.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Sint Maarten does not maintain its own military forces. Defence is handled by the Netherlands.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is available throughout the island.
Water Access
Access to potable water is generally available.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation services are available in most areas.
Railways
Sint Maarten does not have a railway system.
Roadways
The island has a network of paved roads suitable for vehicular traffic.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes a network of roads and public transportation.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Ports
The main port is located in Philipsburg, serving cruise ships and cargo vessels.
Public Transit
Public transportation is available through bus services, providing connections across the island.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)
Internet penetration is high, with access widely available to residents and tourists.
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data not readily available.
Tech Startups
Limited information available, likely few tech startups.
Innovation Index
Data not readily available.
ICT Development Index
Data not readily available.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited information available.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited information available.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
Data not readily available.
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; likely influenced by tourism, potential for moderate air pollution.
Water Pollution Level
Potential for localized water pollution, particularly from tourism and waste disposal.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited; potential for solar and wind energy.
Environmental Issues
Coastal degradation, waste management challenges, water pollution.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes and tropical storms.
Waste Management
Challenges in waste management; potential for waste accumulation and impact on environment.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements related to biodiversity, climate change, and other global environmental issues.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Limited, primarily relies on the Netherlands for representation.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
CARICOM, associate member of UNESCO.
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Information not readily available, likely similar to Dutch citizens.

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