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Location and Size
St. Maarten is located in the north eastern part of the Lesser
Antilles in the Caribbean at 18.1N 63W and is 37 square miles. The
Dutch Side is approximately 16 square miles and the French Side is
approximately 21 square miles.
Government
St. Maarten is the only country to have two governing bodies
co-existing side by side in the world , Dutch and French. The
Capital of the Dutch Side is Phillipsburg and the Capital of the
French Side is Marigot.
Climate
The Climate on St. Maarten is about 80F year round. Summer months
are humid with occasional showers during the late summer and early
fall. The average annual rainfall is 43 inches.
Currency
The US Dollar is accepted everywhere.
The official currency of the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antilles
Florin (NAF).
US$1.00 = NAF 1.80. This is a fixed rate of exchange.
The official currency of the French side is the Euro ().
1.00 = +/- US$1.35. This rate fluctuates.
Languages
Although Dutch and French are the official languages of St. Maarten,
English is spoken throughout the island. There are over 150
different nationalities living on the island.
Entry Requirements
As of December 31, 2006 all United States and Canadian Citizens
require a valid passport for entry and a return or continuing
ticket.
Customs
St. Maarten is the only Caribbean island that is completely
Duty Free. |
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