Country Profile: Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a tropical island located in the Caribbean, part of the northern Leeward Islands group. It shares the island of Saint Martin with France, with the Dutch territory encompassing about 39% of the land. The population is approximately 46,738, with a diverse demographic that reflects various cultural influences. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, supported by a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands.

Geography

Sint Maarten is situated east of the US Virgin Islands and features a low, hilly terrain of volcanic origin. The island has a total area of 34 square kilometers and is characterized by a coastline of approximately 58.9 kilometers. A tropical marine climate brings moderate temperatures and an average annual rainfall of 150 centimeters, with a hurricane season from July to November.

34 sq km: Total area of Sint Maarten.
58.9 km: Length of the coastline.
250 m: Highest elevation point in the island.
0%: Agricultural land use as of 2022.
10.9%: Forest cover on the island.

People and Society

The estimated population of Sint Maarten is around 46,738 (2025), with a nearly even gender distribution. The island is ethnically diverse, featuring significant groups from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. English and Dutch are the official languages, with a high urbanization rate of 100%. The median age is approximately 40.8 years, and the island has a net migration rate of 5.63 migrants per 1,000 people.

100%: Urban population as of 2023.
18.4%: Population aged 0-14 years.
79.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
12 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2025).
1.1%: Annual population growth rate (2025).

Economy

Sint Maarten's economy is classified as high-income and heavily reliant on tourism, with no property taxation. The Real GDP (PPP) for 2024 is estimated at $1.986 billion, with a GDP per capita of $45,800. The island experienced recent economic downturns due to hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic but is supported by a multilateral trust fund to aid recovery.

3.5%: Estimated Real GDP growth rate for 2024.
89.3%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2021).
$1.504 billion: Estimated exports for 2023.
3.0%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).
$1.489 billion: Estimated imports for 2023.

Government

Sint Maarten operates as a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands, gaining full autonomy in 2010. The capital is Philipsburg, and the legal system is based on Dutch civil law with some English influence. The island has a unicameral legislative body with 15 seats, and the most recent election was held in January 2024.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
15: Seats in the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
46.7%: Percentage of women in legislative representation.
King Willem-Alexander: Chief of state since 2013.
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina: Head of government since May 2024.

Military and Security

Sint Maarten does not maintain regular military forces, with the defense responsibilities falling under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) handles local security, supported by various Dutch policing bodies, including the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

KPSM: Primary local law enforcement agency.
No regular military forces: Defense is provided by the Netherlands.

Energy

As of 2022, Sint Maarten boasts a 100% electrification rate for its entire population, ensuring access to electricity for all residents.

Environment

Sint Maarten faces environmental challenges such as water scarcity and inadequate waste management. The island's urban population and high percentage of land use (89.1% categorized as 'other') contribute to pollution issues.

150 cm: Average annual rainfall.
0%: Agricultural land use as of 2022.

Transportation

Sint Maarten has one primary airport and two ports, including the key Coles Bay Oil Terminal. The island's transportation infrastructure supports its tourism-driven economy.

1: Major airport as of 2025.
2: Total ports, with one having oil terminal facilities.

Communications

The island enjoys robust connectivity, with mobile cellular subscriptions amounting to 86,542 in 2022 and an internet penetration rate of 89.5% of the population.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	46,738	Estimated for 2025
Area	34 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$1.986 billion (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
GDP per capita	$45,800 (2024 est.)	Reflects economic performance
Electrification	100%	Total population with electricity access
Birth rate	12 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life expectancy	79.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	N/A	Data not provided
Urban population	100%	Total population as of 2023
Dependency ratio	52.8	Total dependency ratio for 2025