Country Profile: Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant tourism industry. With a population of approximately 46,215, the island's demographic is diverse, reflecting various ethnic backgrounds and languages. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, which expanded significantly from the mid-20th century. Sint Maarten operates as a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands, enjoying autonomy in its internal affairs since 2010.

Geography

Sint Maarten is situated in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, sharing the island of Saint Martin with the French territory of Saint Martin. It covers an area of just 34 square kilometers, characterized by low, hilly terrain of volcanic origin. The island is subject to a tropical marine climate, marked by a hurricane season that extends from July to November.

34 sq km: Total area of Sint Maarten.
58.9 km: Total coastline of the island.
250 m: Highest elevation point near Mount Flagstaff.
0%: Percentage of agricultural land as of 2022.
10.9%: Forest cover as of 2022.

People and Society

Sint Maarten has an estimated population of 46,215 in 2024, with a balanced gender distribution. The society is culturally rich, comprising various ethnic groups, predominantly from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. English is the most widely spoken language, followed by Spanish and Dutch. The population is fully urbanized, with Philipsburg as the capital.

41.9%: Percentage of the population identifying as Protestant.
100%: Urban population as of 2023.
1.15%: Annual population growth rate estimated for 2024.
79.7 years: Life expectancy at birth in 2024.
12.2 births/1,000: Birth rate for 2024.
46.7%: Percentage of women in the legislative chamber.

Economy

Sint Maarten's economy is high-income and heavily reliant on the tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The island has a significant re-export trade with the nearby French part of Saint Martin. There is no property taxation, and the economy shows signs of recovery with GDP growth rates forecasted to be over 3% in the coming years.

$1.986 billion: Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024.
3.5%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
89.3%: Services sector contribution to the economy in 2021.
$45,800: Estimated GDP per capita for 2024.
3%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP in 2023.

Government

Sint Maarten operates as a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, having achieved self-governance in 2010. The government is headed by a Prime Minister, with a unicameral parliament consisting of 15 members. The judicial system is based on Dutch civil law, with judges appointed for life.

18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
15: Total seats in the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
4 years: Legislative term for parliament members.
46.7%: Female representation in the legislature after the 2024 elections.

Military and Security

Sint Maarten does not maintain regular military forces; however, its security is supported by the Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

0: Regular military forces on the island.
100%: Electrification rate in 2022.

Energy

Sint Maarten has achieved full electrification, with 100% of its population having access to electricity as of 2022. The island's energy infrastructure supports its tourism-driven economy.

Environment

The island faces several environmental challenges, including water scarcity and inadequate waste management. The tropical climate leads to a rainy season and potential hurricane threats, making sustainable management essential.

150 cm/year: Average rainfall.
0%: Agricultural land used as of 2022.
10.9%: Forested area in 2022.

Transportation

Sint Maarten has a small but functional transportation infrastructure, including one airport and two ports. The airport supports significant tourist traffic, while the ports handle various goods, including oil.

1: Number of airports projected for 2025.
2: Total number of ports in 2024.

Communications

The telecommunications sector is well-developed, with a high percentage of internet usage among the population. Mobile cellular subscriptions reflect extensive connectivity on the island.

89.5%: Percentage of internet users in 2022.
68,840: Total mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2012.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	46,215	Estimated for 2024
Area	34 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.986 billion	Estimated for 2024
GDP per capita	$45,800	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	12.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy	79.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Urban population	100%	As of 2023
Female representation in legislature	46.7%	After 2024 elections
Electricity access	100%	As of 2022