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Saint Martin

Saint Martin is a Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles that is divided between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saint Martin is a Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles that is divided between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern part is the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin, while the southern part is the Dutch country of Sint Maarten. It is one of the smallest inhabited islands shared by two sovereign states.

Geography

Saint Martin is a small Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles, measuring about 19 km by 19 km and covering roughly 88 km². It has a mountainous central area and a highest point at Paradis Peak.

Political division

The island has been divided since the 17th century between France and the Netherlands. Today, the northern two-thirds is the French collectivity of Saint-Martin and the southern third is Sint Maarten.

History

Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 and named it after Saint Martin of Tours. The island later developed as a shared colonial possession before becoming a modern French overseas collectivity and a Dutch constituent country.

Population and language

The island’s population is concentrated on both sides of the border, with the French side and Dutch side each having distinct administrations. French is official on the French side, while English is widely used throughout the island.

Key facts

  • Saint Martin is a Caribbean island divided between France (Saint-Martin) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten).
  • The island covers about 88 km² and its highest point is Paradis Peak at 424 m.
  • Christopher Columbus sighted the island on 11 November 1493.
  • French is the official language on the French side, and English is widely spoken across the island.
  • The island is a popular destination for Canadian travellers seeking winter sun vacations.
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Canadian context

Saint Martin is a Caribbean destination of interest to Canadian travellers, especially for tourism, air travel, and winter sun vacations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Martin the same as Sint Maarten?
They are the two sides of the same island. Saint-Martin is the French side, and Sint Maarten is the Dutch side.
Which country owns Saint Martin?
No single country owns the whole island. The northern part belongs to France, and the southern part belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
How big is Saint Martin?
The island is about 88 km² in area, or 34 square miles.
What is the highest point on Saint Martin?
Paradis Peak is the highest point, at 424 metres above sea level.
When was Saint Martin first sighted by Europeans?
Christopher Columbus sighted it on 11 November 1493.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Martin-island-West-Indies
    Supports: Island location, area, highest point, political division, history, language, and population.
  2. CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/saint-martin/
    Supports: French overseas collectivity status, location, area, and naming origin.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Sint-Maarten
    Supports: Dutch side of the island and its relationship to Saint-Martin.