A Tale of Two Countries

February 11, 2025

One Island, Two Nations

Today we docked in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.  This island encompasses two countries, Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint Martin (French).  These two countries have enjoyed a 350-year history of open borders.  Citizens cross back and forth freely to enjoy the different food and cultures that exist in each nation. Each country has its own language and currency; however, English and the US dollar are frequently used for both economies. The countries have also designed a unity flag for the island (see picture below).

The border Concordia Monument is the only thing you will notice when crossing from one country to another.

The monument and flags that mark the border between the two countries.

A Welcome sign.

A Unity Flag to symbolize the two country's commitment to being good neighbors.

Driving through both countries we saw lots of green plants and beautiful flowers.  Even many of the houses were colorful.  It was sad to see the remaining ruins and destruction from the Category 5 hurricane Irma that crashed through the island in 2017, leveling homes and buildings with 180 mph winds. There are 27 white sand beaches on the island, and the water along the coast is a variety of magnificent blue hues.

Saint Martin:

Sint Maarten:

We also saw a variety of animals and birds. (The national bird is the Brown Pelican, but we couldn’t get a good picture). 

Iguanas - a green iguana and an orange iguana. Guess which one our tour guide nick-named Trump????

Other wildlife roaming around - chickens with chicks, a cat, and a pig:

The island is known for its friendly inhabitants, and we would agree that everyone we interacted with lived up to that reputation.  Perhaps that is why they have such a successful tourist industry.  In fact, 82% of the country’s economy is generated by the tourist industry.

The Airport and the Beach – Princess Juliana airport and Maho beach are well known for the low flying planes that go over the beach to land or take off from the airport.  People come from all over to take pictures or selfies of the planes flying low over their heads. However, getting too close can be dangerous and several people have been injured from the jet blast.

Look between the end of the runway and the water to see the line of people waiting. Hence the sign that is posted in that area:

Fun Facts

• The island holds two carnivals each year – the French one in February, and the Dutch one is in April.

• There is a Yoda Museum in Philipsburg – “The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit” that focuses on the techniques used by Effects Designers in films.  Unfortunately, it was not open the day we were in town.

• Everything purchased in Sint Maarten is duty free.

• The population of Sint Maarten is 58,477, and the population of Saint Martin is 73,777 (2023). Saint Martin covers a larger part of the island’s land mass. 

Tonight we cruise to St. Lucia! What is very unique about this island??? Visit our next blog to find out!