As a longtime possession of The Netherlands, Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten and French is the official lanquage of St. Martin. English is spoken by most of the citizens on the island and Papiamento, a lyrical language that envolved from Spanish and Portuguese, Dutch, some French, English, and a smattering of African languages is frequently spoken on the Dutch side of the island. St. Maarten is mostly Protestant, while St. Martin is primarily Roman Catholic.

About St. Maarten | St. Maarten History | St. Maarten Culture

According to folk legend, the partition was decided on by a race between a Dutchman and Frenchman. Tthe two stood back-to-back and started walking around the island with the agreement that where they met would determine the border between the Dutch and the French. Legend has it that the Dutchman carried a bottle of Dutch gin while the Frenchman had a flask of wine. The gin slowed the progress of the Dutchman, and the Frenchman was able to cover more ground and claim 21 square miles.

The native Creole population can trace most of their roots to Africa, France, the Netherlands and the British Isles. The only remnants of the early Spanish are some stones from the ruins of the two forts built in its early take over. The wave of immigration in the last half of the 20th century has resulted in a population that hails from 70 different countries. The island's various nationalities are reflected in the numerous world-class restaurants that have earned the island the nickname "The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean."

St. Maarten is known throughout the Caribbean for its nightlife, with cafes and night clubs that open their doors at sunset each evening and the music of the steel drum bands are carried along the beaches. Carnival, a vibrant, two-week festival of feasting, street dancing, parties, and parades, represents the peak of these activities