The two sides of the island have different governments, languages, cuisine, currency and overall general “feels” to them. They even have two different power companies that provide their electricity, which explains the routine blackouts on the Dutch side compared to far fewer on the French side of the island.
The French side of the island, Saint Martin, attracts far fewer tourists than the Dutch side, or Saint Maarten. About a tenth of the cruise traffic passes through the French side compared to the Dutch. Most people on the French side speak both French and English, though French is the preferred language. On the Dutch side of the island English is the preferred language.
Apparently the Dutch side of the island is reportedly much more friendly according to several travel blogs and articles, though this claim is obviously objective. While in Saint Maarten tourists can look forward to endless shopping on crowded and busy streets. On the other side of the island though, in Saint Martin the streets are quiet and lined with sidewalk cafes.
Another difference between the two separate countries is the
difference in nightlife attractions. Clubs, bars, and more than a dozen casinos
are available in Saint Maarten. Saint Martin, the French side, has far fewer
clubs and bars and is geared more for travelers looking to spend an evening
strolling on the beach than gambling in a smoke filled casino.
Nude beaches are the norm on the French side of the island
while on the Dutch side, nudity is considered to be tasteless and obscene. It is incredible that two such different cultures and people occupy such a small island. The benefit of traveling to the island and visiting both the French and Dutch side though is that as a traveler you can experience two separate cultures with a single trip.
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