Sint Maarten (Dutch side)
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Anthem
No cleared recording is available yet, so there is no Listen button for this song.
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
The southern, Dutch side of the island has shared it with France since 1648. Sint Maarten became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
Culture
Carnival on the Dutch side is one of the Caribbean's biggest. The island is known for duty-free shopping, nightlife and a very international population.
Languages & Creoles
Dutch and English are official, and English is the everyday language. Spanish and Papiamento are also common.
Currency
The Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in 2025. US dollars are used for most everyday purchases.
Popular Attractions
Planes land just over the sand at Maho Beach next to the airport. Philipsburg's Front Street, Simpson Bay and the Lotterie Farm rainforest are favourites.
Food
Guavaberry liqueur is the national drink. Johnnycakes, saltfish, conch and dumplings and local barbecue are popular.
Places to Visit
Philipsburg, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay, Great Bay and Little Bay.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres