Saint-Martin Island
Saint-Martin Island is located in the Caribbean Sea, in the northern part of the Eastern Caribbean island chain. It has an area of 87 km². St. Maarten is the world’s smallest inhabited island and is simultaneously part of two states. The northern part of the island is the French overseas community of St. Maarten, and the southern part is the self-governing state with significant autonomy of Sint Maarten of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The borders between these countries are rather conventional, and the life of the island is filled with harmony and enriched by two cultural traditions at once. The French influence on St. Maarten is mostly related to cultural heritage, and the Dutch side takes an active part in popularization of the island, so on its territory there are many resorts and gambling is allowed. In both capitals – Marigot and Philipsburg – tourists will find fine restaurants, fashionable stores, nightclubs and, of course, magnificent beaches with white sand.
