The primary function of the Department is to “formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate the socio-economic policies of the Island Territory of St. Maarten with the ultimate purpose of stimulating economic growth and development”.
As an island nation whose economy is based on one industry - tourism - it is of the utmost importance that every visitor - either virtual or real -- to St. Maarten has a positive and memorable experience. An experience that leaves you wanting more as you browse the web, just as you might want one or two days more at the end of your vacation stay.
Population The population of Dutch St. Maarten was estimated approximately at 39,000 in 2007.
Time Zone St. Maarten is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours.
Languages Dutch is the official language of Dutch St. Maarten and French of French St. Martin. English is widely spoken on both sides of the island. Papiamento, a dialect that is made up of Spanish, Portuguese and Creole, can also be heard as well as German, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.
Climate The average temperature of St. Maarten is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in the winter and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) in the summer. The sun shines for approximately 8 hours a day. The average rainfall yearly is 40 inches. The water temperature is approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.6 degrees Celsius). Gentle trade winds keep the humidity low.
Currency The official currency of St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF/Fls) is fixed to the US$ at an exchange rate of 1.79. The official currency of St. Martin is the Euro. No official rate could be given, as it fluctuates daily, however the Euro averaged € 1.52 to 1 US$. The US dollar is widely accepted but can also be used in stores at a rate between 1.80 and 1.82.
Electricity 110 volts A.C. (50 cycles) on the Dutch side or 208/220 volt (60 cycles) on the French side.
Public Holidays
All government offices are officially closed on the following days.
All hotel facilities, certain stores, most restaurants, car rentals and airlines remain operating:
* Easter Sunday
* Easter Monday
* April 30 (Queen’s Birthday)
* May 1 (Labor Day)
* May 2 (Carnival Day)
* Ascension Day
* December 26 (Boxing Day)
It is mandatory for all government offices, stores and most businesses
(except hotels, the airport and car rentals) to be closed on the following holidays:
* January 1 (New Year’s Day)
* Good Friday
* November 11 (St. Maarten’s Day)
* December 25 (Christmas Day)
