Saint Martin (island)

Quick Facts: Who was Saint Martin (island)?

Subject:

Saint Martin (island)

Known for:

Caribbean island divided between France and the Netherlands, rich in culture and history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Saint Martin is an island in Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the northeastern Caribbean, approximately 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico (United States). The 87 km2 (34 mi2) island has been divided since 1648 roughly 60:40 between France (53 km2 or 20 mi2) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands (34 km2 or 13 mi2), but the Dutch part is more populated than the French. The northern French part comprises the Collectivity of Saint Martin and is an overseas collectivity of France.

Career & Major Achievements

The southern Dutch part comprises Sint Maarten and is one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Even though the island is an overseas possession of two European Union member states, only the French part of the island is part of the EU.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 1 January 2019, the population of the whole island was 73,777 inhabitants, with 41,177 living on the Dutch side and 32,489 on the French side. The figure for the French side is based on censuses that took place after the devastation of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, whereas the figure for the Dutch side is only a post-censal estimate still based on the 2011 census.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1648: 1648 Milestone — The 87 km2 (34 mi2) island has been divided since 1648 roughly 60:40 between France (53 km2 or 20 mi2) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands (34 km2 or 13 mi2), but the Dutch part is more populated than the French.
2. 2017: 2017 Milestone — The figure for the French side is based on censuses that took place after the devastation of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, whereas the figure for the Dutch side is only a post-censal estimate still based on the 2011 census.
3. 2019: 2019 Milestone — On 1 January 2019, the population of the whole island was 73,777 inhabitants, with 41,177 living on the Dutch side and 32,489 on the French side.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Saint Martin (island)

True or False: “True or false: Saint Martin's division between French and Dutch control is a modern development, not established by colonial treaties.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The division of the island between France and the Netherlands was established historically, specifically noted as being roughly split since 1648.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Christian IV of Denmark — Historical peer (Died in 1648) (1648): Long-reigning monarch of Denmark and Norway; architect of ambitious reforms and military expansion.
• Tirso de Molina — Historical peer (Died in 1648) (1648): Spanish Baroque dramatist and Mercedarian friar, known for creating Don Juan.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Agnès Varda — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Alan Rubin — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): American musician known for playing trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Martin (island)