Saint Martin Island
Views : 595
2023-11-23 13:55:38
Saint Martin Island
Saint Martin Island
Saint Martin (Sint Maarten in Dutch and Saint Martin in French) is an island in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies. Covering an area of 86 square kilometers, the southern part belongs to the Netherlands, with an area of 34 square kilometers and a population of 35000 (2006); The northern part is a French Overseas Territory (formerly part of the French Overseas Province of Guadeloupe, upgraded to a Republic Territory on February 22, 2007), with an area of 52 square kilometers and a population of 33000, 102 (2004). The residents are mostly black. The terrain is undulating, with many hills in the east and west, with a general elevation of 300-415 meters. The annual precipitation is 1100 millimeters. The island has beautiful scenery. On November 11, 1493 (Saint Martin's Day), Columbus came here, hence the name. It was occupied by France in 1638. In 1648, it belonged to France and the Netherlands. Mainly producing salt, cotton, sugarcane, and livestock, the brewing industry and fishing industry are increasingly developing. The tourism industry is thriving. Important towns include Philipsburg (Dutch) and Marigott (French)， sports fitness .
Sint Maarten/Saint Martin: A small island in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, covering an area of approximately 37 square miles and consisting of mountains and lakes. This small island belongs to two different countries - France and the Netherlands - and is the smallest island in the world that belongs to both countries. The overseas Guadeloupe region of France occupies 21 square miles in the north, with the capital city of Marigo; The Dutch Antilles occupies 16 square miles in the south, with the capital city of Philipsburg. The dividing line between two countries is appropriately located in the middle of the mountains and lakes (Lagoon).
Both towns are very small, with only a few streets. This small island has maintained a state of partition between the two countries for over three hundred years. France and the Netherlands signed an agreement in 1648 to divide the island of Saint Martin. The armies of France and the Netherlands gathered at the Oyster Pond to the east of the island, then marched in the opposite direction along the coastline until they finally met to determine the boundary between the two countries. It is said that at the ceremony before departure, the Dutch drank gin and light beer, and the French drank cognac and Baijiu. As a result, the French are full of alcohol, much more excited than the Dutch, running faster, and ultimately occupying a larger space. There is also a legend that the Dutch were fascinated by a French girl and wasted a lot of time, resulting in occupying less space. Regardless of the outcome, the peaceful and friendly relationship between the two countries lasted for over three hundred years. No one needs any procedures or guards to cross the Dutch French border on the island. This is unparalleled in the world.
In 1948, a monument was erected on the border of the island to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Peaceful Divide. The monument is surrounded by four flags, namely the Dutch flag, the French flag, the Dutch Antilles flag, and the Saint Martin flag. Both France and the Netherlands hang joint management flags on the island. The color of the flag is the same as that of the flags of the Netherlands and France, consisting of three colors: red, white, and blue, with a top red and bottom blue. The left side is a white triangle, and the center of the triangle is the emblem of Saint Martin. Above the emblem are the sun and the pelican, and in the middle are the appearance of the Philipsburg Court, osmanthus flowers, and a monument. The ribbon below reads "SEMPER PRO GREDIENS". This flag also symbolizes Dutch French friendship.
