Saint Martin is an island in the northeast Caribbean Sea, around 300km east of Puerto Rico. It is divided between the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, in the northern part of the island, and the Dutch territory in the south - Sint Maarten. There is no real border but a difference in culture, sights and monuments between the French and the Dutch sides. The island is a tourist destination, and features wonderful beaches, great shops, hotels and restaurants. Water sports such as diving, kayaking, snorkelling, yachting and diving are popular. In the Collectivity of Saint Martin, the larger part of the island, there are beautiful nature preserves such as Loterie Farm with hiking trails, zip lines and amenities.
Population: approximately 80 thousand inhabitants
Capitals: Philipsburg (Dutch side), Marigot (French side)
Other major cities: Grand Case
Religion: mainly Roman Catholic
Climate: tropical. Average temperatures from 25 °C in the coolest season (January to March) to 28 °C (June to October)
Main attractions: beaches, Front Street (Philipsburg), Philipsburg Boardwalk, Fort Amsterdam (Philipsburg), Rue de la République (Marigot), Marigot market, Fort Louis, Loterie Farm, Butterfly Farm, Pic du Paradis
