Below are some basic statistics about the island, but take them with a grain of salt; especially the number of residents given by official institutions seems to understate the population dramatically. They do not take into consideration the large number of persons residing on the island without proper documentation. We avoid the politically and ideologically loaded term 'illegal residents' intentionally, because almost all of these undocumented persons are an integral part of the island's economy and provide valuable key services, especially in the tourism sector.
Capital:
Dutch side: Philipsburg
French side: Marigot
Size:
Dutch side: 32 skm / 13 square miles
French side: 43 skm / 29 square miles
Topography:
Pic Paradis, the highest point, rises to 424 m / 1392 feet in the center of the island.
Simpson Bay lagoon is one of the largest throughout the Caribbean.
Population:
Dutch side: estimated 40.000
French side: estimated 35.000
Language:
English, French, Dutch and Spanish are the most commonly used languages.
Local dialects are Creole and Papiemento
Over 80 different nationalities are represented on the "Friendly island!"
Currency:
US Dollar, Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (NAF), and the Euro
Climate:
Warm, sunny tropical climate all year round with average temperatures
of 79 F / 28 C.
Airport:
Princess Juliana Airport (Dutch side) for international and inter-island flights
L'Esperance Airport, Grand Case - mostly for inter-island destinations
Beaches:
37 beaches of white sand.
Electricity:
Dutch Side: 110 Volt / 60 Hz
French Side: 220 Volt / 60 (!) Hz
TV:
Dutch Side: NTSC (All American Cable Stations and Networks, plus local stations)
French Side: SECAM (French Stations):
Time:
GMT - 4
Driving:
On the right
Religion:
Anglican, Methodist, New Testament Baptist, Catholic and Jewish.
