By Amirul Momenin
Just a few kilometers off the coast of Teknaf in Bangladesh lies St. Martin Island, a dreamlike paradise along the Bay of Bengal. Surprisingly, there is another island in the world bearing the same name—St. Martin—in the Caribbean Sea. This small Caribbean island is unique because it is divided between two different countries: France on the northern side and the Netherlands on the southern side. There is no other such example on Earth.
The Caribbean St. Martin is part of the Lesser Antilles and covers an area of approximately 87 square kilometers. The northern section, called Saint-Martin, is under French administration, while the southern part, Sint Maarten, belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is formed from volcanic rock, featuring hills, lush forests, and pristine white sandy beaches. The highest point, Pic Paradis, rises to 424 meters. Surrounded by turquoise waters and bathed in year-round sunshine, the island is a paradise for tourists.
The climate is tropical, warm, and sunny most of the year. The rainy season coincides with the hurricane period from June to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. This pleasant climate makes St. Martin a year-round tourist destination.
St. Martin’s economy relies heavily on tourism. It hosts world-renowned resorts, beaches, and shopping centers. Among the most popular attractions is Maho Beach, located next to the airport, where visitors can enjoy the thrill of planes flying just overhead. Orient Bay reflects European-style beach culture with long stretches of white sand, rows of restaurants, and watersports activities. Fort Louis, an 18th-century fortress on the French side, offers panoramic views of Marigot Bay. The colorful Marigot Market showcases handmade jewelry, fragrances, fruits, and local Creole cuisine. Loterie Farm, located in the hills, is a natural park where visitors can explore the forest via suspended rope trails.
St. Martin has a rich history shaped by colonialism and cultural blending. Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1493 and named it after Saint Martin of Tours. In the following centuries, French and Dutch colonizers repeatedly clashed over control. Finally, the 1648 Concordia Treaty divided the island peacefully between the two nations, a unique agreement that remains in effect today.
The island’s culture is a remarkable mix of European and African heritage. Languages include French, Dutch, English, and the local Papiamento. Christianity is the predominant religion. Festivals such as Carnival, St. Martin Day on November 11, and various music events are celebrated across the island. The cuisine shows strong Creole and French influences, featuring seafood, lobster, sauces, and tropical fruit juices.
St. Martin’s economy depends on three main sectors: tourism, duty-free shopping and trade, and financial services and real estate. The French side uses the Euro, while the Dutch side uses the Guilder and the US Dollar.
Access to the island is possible via multiple international flights, with Princess Juliana International Airport serving as the main gateway. The French side also has a smaller airport, L’Espérance. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to small cottages and beachfront hotels, with high standards of safety and hospitality.
Bangladesh’s St. Martin is a gem of the Bay of Bengal, while Caribbean St. Martin is a colorful jewel of its own. Despite sharing the same name, the two islands are entirely different in nature and history. Yet both share one common thread: breathtaking natural beauty. St. Martin is one of the rare places on Earth where French romance and Dutch pragmatism coexist harmoniously. Truly, St. Martin is a singular island—two nations, two cultures, yet one heart.
