This unique island shares the cultures of two countries. To the south is the Dutch side, known  as St. Maarten, which encompasses  the cosmopolitan capital of Philipsburg. Here you’ll find the best duty-free shops, glittering casinos and popular nightspots. To the north is the French side, St. Martin, whose miles of powdery beaches complement the quaint boutiques and chic cafes in the capital of Marigot — a relaxed environment that serves as a culinary haven for sampling all regions of French cuisine. Visit either side, and you'll get a true taste of paradise on this gorgeous and diversified island.

According to history, St. Maarten was originally "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in November of 1493. Columbus named the island after St. Martin of Tours. Although the original settlers were probably Carib or Arawak Indians, not many inhabitants remained when the first attempt at European colonization came in 1631. Dutch settlers made a settlement at Little Bay, but by 1633, the island began its flip-flop of ownership among the Dutch, Spanish and French. Spanish forces then invaded the island and deported all 128 inhabitants. In 1644, the Dutch attempted to take back control of the island, during which Dutch nationalist Peter "Peg Leg" Stuyvesant lost a leg to a cannonball but gained a nickname. The Dutch retreated, but the Spanish left on their own four years later.

In 1648, the Dutch and French signed a partition agreement to share control of St. Maarten that was made official by the Utrecht Peace Treaty of 1713. Peace mainly followed except for a few years in the 1780s. Throughout the 1700s and most of the 1800s, the St. Maarten economy centered on the salt trade. Slaves from Africa cultivated the ponds throughout the island, and salt was shipped to Europe and America. The salt ponds are still clearly visible in Philipsburg. The island’s economy flourished until 1863, when St. Maarten abolished slavery. After 1863, plantation life declined, as did the island’s economy.

During World War II the Allies occupied the Island and built an airfield, which is now St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport. Currently the Caribbean’s busiest airport, Juliana Airport has spurred St. Maarten’s growth as a vacation destination and a hub for the rest of the Caribbean.

Today, the Island is governed by an Independent Island Council and the Lt. Governor, appointed by the Queen of the Netherlands. It plays host to numerous vibrant festivals and well-known sports championships each year. For an annual calendar of events happening on St. Maarten, visit http://www.st-maarten.com/sxm/events.htm.

Source: The Lonely Planet’s World Guide:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com