Country Profile: Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is a small Caribbean island located in the Leeward Islands, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It covers an area of 34 square kilometers and has an estimated population of approximately 46,738 in 2025. The economy is predominantly tourism-based and faces challenges from hurricanes and economic downturns. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Sint Maarten has enjoyed autonomy in internal affairs since 2010, with the Dutch government overseeing defense and foreign matters.
Geography
Sint Maarten is situated in the Caribbean Sea, east of the US Virgin Islands, and occupies the southern part of the island of Saint Martin, sharing a border with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin. The island features low, hilly terrain of volcanic origin, with a total area of 34 square kilometers and a coastline of approximately 58.9 kilometers. The climate is tropical marine, with an average annual rainfall of 150 cm and a hurricane season that extends from July to November.
- Total Area: 34 sq km
- Coastline: 58.9 km
- Highest Point: 383 m at Mount Flagstaff
- Population Distribution: Most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter and Cul de Sac
- Natural Hazards: Vulnerable to hurricanes
People and Society
As of 2025, Sint Maarten has a population of about 46,738, predominantly composed of diverse ethnic groups, including Saint Maarten locals, Dominicans, Haitians, and Jamaicans. English is the official language, with Spanish and Creole also widely spoken. The society is primarily Protestant, with a significant Roman Catholic minority. The median age is estimated at 40.8 years, and the urban population is fully concentrated in the capital, Philipsburg.
- Population Growth Rate: 1.1% (2025 est.)
- Urbanization: 100% (2023)
- Life Expectancy: 79.7 years (2024 est.)
- Birth Rate: 12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Total Fertility Rate: 1.96 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Economy
Sint Maarten's economy is categorized as high-income and is heavily reliant on tourism. The real GDP was estimated at $1.986 billion in 2024, with a GDP per capita of approximately $45,800. The country has faced economic challenges due to hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, but recovery efforts are supported by a multilateral trust fund. The services sector dominates the economy, accounting for about 89.3% of the GDP.
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 3.5% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $1.504 billion (2023 est.)
- Imports: $1.489 billion (2023 est.)
- Current Account Balance: -$116.693 million (2023 est.)
- Remittances: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Government
Sint Maarten operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010. The capital, Philipsburg, serves as the center of governance. The Prime Minister leads the executive branch, while the legislature comprises a unicameral Parliament with 15 seats. Citizens participate in elections at the age of 18, and the legal system is based on Dutch civil law.
- Chief of State: King Willem-Alexander (since 2013)
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (since May 2024)
- Parliament Seats: 15
- Last Election Date: November 1, 2024
- Next Election Expected: 2028
Energy
Sint Maarten enjoys 100% electrification of its population as of 2022, reflecting a fully developed energy infrastructure to meet domestic needs.
Environment
Environmental issues in Sint Maarten include a scarcity of potable water, inadequate solid waste management, and pollution from various sources. The island's land use shows limited agricultural activity, with only 10.9% forest cover and 0% designated for agriculture as of 2022. The tropical marine climate influences its environmental conditions and potential natural hazards.
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes one airport and two ports, with the latter primarily serving the Coles Bay Oil Terminal in Philipsburg. The small size of the island facilitates ease of movement, but details regarding the capacity and frequency of services are less documented.
- Airports: 1 (2025)
- Ports: 2 (including one oil terminal)
Communications
Sint Maarten has a well-developed telecommunications network, with 86,542 mobile cellular subscriptions recorded in 2022. Approximately 89.5% of the population has access to the internet, indicating a high rate of connectivity across the island.
Military and Security
Sint Maarten has no regular military forces; defense is managed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The local Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is supported by Dutch security forces, ensuring law and order on the island.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,738 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 34 sq km | |
| GDP | $1.986 billion (2024 est.) | |
| GDP per capita | $45,800 (2024 est.) | |
| Birth rate | 12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) | |
| Life expectancy at birth | 79.7 years (2024 est.) | |
| Urban population | 100% (2023) | |
| Total fertility rate | 1.96 children born/woman (2025 est.) | |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) | |
| Unemployment | Not provided |
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