
Saint Martin
Territory of France
Legal breakdown by identity
Learn about Saint Martin
Beyond the scoreLearn about Saint Martin.Official names, languages, local time and practical context for understanding Saint Martin beyond its legal score.
Destination overview
About Saint Martin.
Two Worlds on One Island
Saint Martin shares its small Caribbean island with the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten, yet the French side feels like a world apart. Marigot, the charming capital, blends open-air markets with waterfront bistros and a relaxed Gallic pace that sets the tone for the entire collectivity.
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Beaches That Need No Introduction
From the calm turquoise shallows of Orient Bay to the sheltered cove at Friar's Bay, Saint Martin's coastline draws visitors who want powder-soft sand without the crowds. The water is warm year-round, and the snorkelling around offshore reefs rewards even casual swimmers.
A Reputation Built on Food
Grand Case has earned its nickname as the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean, packing an extraordinary density of restaurants into a single beach road. French technique meets local Creole ingredients across dozens of dining rooms, from humble lolos serving grilled lobster to refined tables with proper wine lists.
An Open Border, a Shared Spirit
The Treaty of Concordia, signed in 1648, established one of the world's oldest land borders and has allowed free movement between the French and Dutch sides ever since. Visitors can cross without formality, moving between French patisseries and Dutch-side duty-free shops in the same afternoon, making Saint Martin one of the Caribbean's most pleasingly borderless experiences.
Official names
- Collectivity of Saint Martin (English)
- Collectivité de Saint-Martin (French)
Region
- Caribbean
Continent
- North America
Total population
31,477
2021 data
Capital
- Marigot
Currency
- Euro (EUR · €)
Driving side
- right side of the road
Electricity
Languages
French
Official by law · ISO 639-3: fra
English
Official in practice · ISO 639-3: eng
Virgin Islands Creole
Indigenous · ISO 639-3: vic
Current time and time zone
Atlantic Standard TimeAST
America/Guadeloupe
Largest cities
- Marigot · 5,700
2022 data
- Grand Case · 4,000
2022 data
- Quartier d'Orléans · 4,000
2022 data
Busiest airport
- Grand Case-Espérance AirportSFG