France is the third largest country in Europe. Among neighbors of France there are 8 countries with which it has the general borders, but the Netherlands is not included into their number. But, except continental France, this state has also overseas possession. And on one of them France has the general border with the Netherlands.
Overland borders of France
Continental France or the French mother country borders on 8 countries:
- Spain;
- Belgium;
- Switzerland;
- Italy;
- Germany;
- Luxembourg;
- Andorra;
However, if to take overland borders of overseas regions into account, then it will border on three countries: Brazil, Surinam and Netherlands Antilles.
The overland border between France and the Netherlands passes across the territory of the island Saint Martin which is located in the Caribbean Sea and it is considered one of northern East Caribbean islands.
The territory of Saint Martin belongs to two states at once: To France and Netherlands. Extent of the general overland border is 10.5 km.
Saint Martin's island
This island by right is considered the smallest in the world Inhabited Island which is a part of two different states. Its area is only 87 square kilometers, and the population – a little more than 77000 people.
The northern part of the island on the French harmony is called Saint Martin and is overseas community of France. The capital is the city of Martigo. The population of the French part the island makes a little more than 35 thousand people.
The southern part of the island – Sint Martin is the self-governed state belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The capital is the city of Philipsburg. The population of the Dutch part of the island – 42 thousand people.
Locals call the island of Narikel Dzhindzhira that means "The coconut island". All inhabitants talk in local dialect of the East Caribbean Anglo-Creole language though official language in the French part of the island the French is considered, and in the Netherlands part – Dutch. The English and Spanish languages, Creole language papyamento are also widespread.
In both parts of the island use the same monetary unit – euro though U.S. dollars are accepted on an equal basis with the European currency. Goods prices and services approximately same, as well as in continental Europe. It is possible to pay off with the credit card almost in any place.
In the Middle Ages the extraction of salt was the main income of the island. Now the basis of the economy is tourism. Besides, the Dutch part of the island is an offshore zone and all firms registered in this part officially do not pay taxes. A property tax and purchase and sale of the real estate it is cancelled.
One of island sights – the airport of the Princess Yuliana. It is one of the airports of the world, most complex for take off and landing. Despite a runway of sufficient length (2300 m quite are enough for small planes) one its end rests against the sea coast. Near a strip there is also a Makho beach so planes should sit down and take off at the height only 10-20 m from vacationers.