Quick Facts 
- Continental region – Saint Martin, Dutch Saint Maarten, French Saint-Martin, island, lying at the northern end of the Leeward group of the Lesser Antilles in the north eastern Caribbean Sea.
- Currency symbol of Saint Martin (France) –Euro(€)
- Capital City –Marigot
- Official languages – French is official language of Saint Martin (France)
- Population – 37,264 (2018)
- Country dialling code – (+590)
- Official website – Saint Martin (France)
- Top 3 biggest industries –Tourism, light industry, heavy industry
- Google Maps link –Saint Martin (France)
- Where is it? –Northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico
Saint Martin (France) In Pictures
Saint Martin (France) History
- How did the country get its first name? – The first people to settle here were a tribe of Arawak Indians gave it the name “Sualouiga” meaning “Land of Salt” for the salt-pans and the brackish water they found here in great abundance.
- How did the country get its current name? – The island was sighted on November 11, 1493, by Christopher Columbus, who named it in honor of St. Martin of Tours, whose feast day it was. Valued for its natural lakes of salt, a scarce commodity in Europe, the island changed between Dutch and Spanish hands several times. In 1648 the Dutch returned to the island to find it occupied by the French, with whom they signed a partition treaty.
- When and by whom the country was first discovered? – Groups of Meso Indians arrived and lived on the the island between 400 BC to 960 AD. The first European to see the island was Christopher Columbus, 11 November 1493,
- Who were the first Inhabitants? – lived on the the island between 400 BC to 960 AD. The first European to see the island was Christopher Columbus, 11 November 1493,
- Who were the first Inhabitants? – The Arawak and Carib inhabited the island before its sighting by Christopher Columbus on November 11, 1493, the feast day of St. Martin of Tours. It was claimed by several European powers—notably the Dutch and the French, who partitioned the island in 1648.
- When it was first recognized as a country? –This side of the island is an overseas territory of France, bordering the Dutch side.
- Who was the first leader of the country? –Daniel Gibbs was the first political leader of Saint Martin (France).
Five Significant Events
- Tuesday night in Grand Case (from January to April) : every Tuesday during three months are the Harmony nights, full of local music, art and crafts exhibitions, from 6.30PM to 10PM. (https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/)
- Black History Month: each year during this month the island celebrates the local pioneers who marked Saint Martin’s history. Brush up on what is planned for the year you are traveling. (https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/)
- Dutch Side Carnival: (from mid-April to beginning of May) The Dutch side is also hosting a carnival, so prepare yourself for coloured parades and concerts. (https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/)
- The Sea Festival: A two-day event showcasing marine professionals with activities on land and on the sea. (https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/)
- SXM Best Weekend: during a weekend, renowned DJs perform showcases with international artists. This event features Anguilla’s biggest beach party. (https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/)
Five Places to Visit in Saint Martin (France)
- Red Bay: Saint Martin’s popular Red Bay is named after its slightly red-tinted sand. Making this beach even more unique is a large rock arch, which is quite a sight to see. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/)
- Orient Bay: Orient Bay is one of the island’s largest and most popular beaches. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/)
- Restaurant le Soleil: Restaurant le Soleil is properly named after the blanket of sunshine that overlays its large outdoor terrace for most of the day. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/)
- Maho Beach: Often pictured on St. Martin’s souvenir postcards, Maho Beach is well known for its extremely close location to the Princess Juliana Airport. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/)
- Fort Louis: Built in 1789: Fort Louis offers visitors both a piece of St. Martin’s history and gorgeous views of the island overlooking Marigot Bay. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/)
References:
- https://pixabay.com/photos/river-ill-fachwerkh%C3%A4user-947227/
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Martin-island-West-Indies
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Martin-overseas-collectivity-France
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Martin-island-West-Indies
- http://www.geographia.com/st-martin/smhist01.htm
- http://www.grandcasebeachclub.com/blog/is-st-martin-a-country/
- https://blog.prestigevillarental.com/information/caribbean/st-martin-french-caribbean/local-events/
- https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-martin/articles/the-most-beautiful-spots-on-saint-martin/
- https://www.st-martin.org/us/discover/history
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