The island of Saint Martin is the world's smallest inhabited island divided between two nations. The northern portion, known as Saint-Martin, is an overseas collectivity of France, while the southern portion, Sint Maarten, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. There is no physical border or "hard" checkpoint between the two sides, a unique arrangement governed by the Treaty of Concordia since 1648, which allows for the free movement of people and goods. Each side retains its distinct cultural flair: the French side is famous for its "haute cuisine" and European-style boutiques in Marigot, whereas the Dutch side is known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and the famous Maho Beach where planes land just feet above the sand. This dual-nation status means that while you can walk from France to the Netherlands in minutes, you will encounter different languages, currencies, and even different electrical plug standards.