Country Profile: Saint Martin
Saint Martin is a Caribbean island divided between French and Dutch territories, with a total area of 50 sq km. The island, claimed by Christopher Columbus in 1493, has a population of approximately 33,093 (2025 est.) and is known for its vibrant tourism industry that emerged in the late 20th century. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, although it has faced challenges, including damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Saint Martin functions as an overseas collectivity of France.
Geography
Saint Martin is situated in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean Sea, east of the US Virgin Islands. The island has a total land area of 50 sq km and features a coastline of approximately 58.9 km. Temperatures average between 27-29 degrees Celsius year-round, with a distinct hurricane season from July to November.
- 424 m - Highest point: Pic du Paradis
- 0% - Agricultural land (2022 est.)
- 24.8% - Area covered by forest (2022 est.)
- 16 km - Total land boundary shared with Sint Maarten
- 90% - Estimated damage to buildings from Hurricane Irma (2017)
People and Society
Saint Martin has a diverse population of around 33,093, with various ethnic groups including Creole, Black, and White. The island recognizes multiple languages, with French as the official language alongside Dutch, English, and several Creoles. The population is predominantly young, with a median age of 34.3 years (2025 est.).
- 81 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 24.7% - Population aged 0-14 years
- 1.8 children - Total fertility rate (2025 est.)
- 13.78 births - Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
- 0.92 male(s)/female - Overall sex ratio (2024 est.)
Economy
The economy of Saint Martin is characterized as a high-income territory, heavily reliant on tourism and services, which suffered greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Irma. The island practices duty-free commerce and its GDP was approximately $649.206 million in 2021.
- 4.9% - Real GDP growth rate (2021 est.)
- -12.5% - Real GDP growth rate (2020 est.)
- 35% - Exports to the United States (2019)
- 76% - Imports from the United States (2019)
- 3.9% - Education expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.)
Government
Saint Martin operates under a parliamentary democracy as an overseas collectivity of France. The capital is Marigot, and the current head of government is President of the Territorial Council Louis Mussington. The legal framework follows French civil law, and voting is universal at 18 years of age.
- 23 - Seats in the Territorial Council
- 14 July - National holiday (Fête de la Fédération)
- 100% - Electorate aged 18 and above
- 43.5% - Percentage of women in the Territorial Council
- 2027 - Expected date of the next council election
Military and Security
Saint Martin does not maintain regular military forces, with defense being the responsibility of France. The island is served by the Police Force of Sint Maarten for local law enforcement.
Energy
Electricity access in Saint Martin is universal, with 100% of the population having electrification as of 2022.
Environment
The island faces environmental challenges, including waste management, salinity intrusions, and water pollution. Limited freshwater resources and over-exploitation of marine resources are significant concerns.
- 15,500 tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
- 24.8% - Forested area (2022 est.)
- 0% - Agricultural land use (2022 est.)
Transportation
Saint Martin has one airport serving the island as of 2025, facilitating regional and international travel.
Communications
The island has a growing network of telecommunications, with a notable proportion of the population having access to mobile and internet services.
- 48.5% - Internet usage among the population (2022 est.)
- 68,840 - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2012 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,093 (2025 est.) | - |
| Area | 50 sq km | - |
| GDP | $649.206 million (2021 est.) | - |
| Electricity access | 100% | (2022 est.) |
| Birth rate | 13.78 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) | - |
| Life expectancy | 81 years (2024 est.) | - |
| Total fertility rate | 1.8 children born/woman (2025 est.) | - |
| Unemployment | - | Data not provided |
| Climate | 27-29 degrees Celsius | Year-round average |
| Coastline | 58.9 km | For entire island |
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