National symbols

Flag: The official flag is the French tricolor. At the territorial level, a flag combining the French flag with the collectivity emblem is often used.

Saint Martin Flag

Emblem: The collectivity emblem depicting the Caribbean Sea and pelican is used for administrative purposes.

Saint Martin Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • No formal border checkpoints on the island; walk casually to the Dutch side.
  • Still uses French postal code "97150."
  • Pic Paradis (424m) is a scenic spot bathed in sunrise colors.
  • Royal Marina in Marigot with duty-free shops is popular with cruise passengers.
  • Local beer should not be confused with unrelated "San Miguel."
  • Guavaberry is an island-endemic berry essential for Christmas rum.
  • Car license plates retain "GP" from the former Guadeloupe department.
  • French side uses 220V electricity; Dutch hotels may have 110V mixed in.
  • Hurricane Irma (2017) caused devastating damage to the island.
  • Though French territory, US dollars are widely accepted for currency conversion.