St Eustatius, popularly known as ‘Statia’, was a thriving transshipment port during the 17th and 18th centuries, becoming known throughout the Caribbean as ‘The Golden Rock’. The subsequent decline of the island has only recently been halted by an influx of tourists. The foundations of the Dutch sea walls are now sunk beneath the clear waters of the bay. Scuba divers and snorkellers can see many of the submerged ruins.

Other attractions on the island include walking up The Quill; surfing off the northeast coast; and fishing trips. The nightlife is centred on the main hotels and restaurants, including dancing and local live bands, which may play one of the two different indigenous blends of reggae and calypso – ‘Pim Pim’ and ‘Hippy’.

21 sq km (8 sq miles).

2,292 (2001 census).

109 per sq km.

Oranjestad.

Part of the Netherlands Antilles; dependency of The Netherlands since 1630.  

Dutch is the official language. Papiamento (a mixture of African, Dutch, English, Portuguese and Spanish) is the commonly used lingua franca. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

The majority are Protestant with a Roman Catholic minority.

GMT - 4.

Dutch customs are still important throughout the Netherlands Antilles, but US influences from the Virgin Islands nearby are dominant on St Eustatius. It is conventional to shake hands on meeting someone. Dress is casual and lightweight cottons are advised. Bathing suits should be confined to the beach and poolside areas only. It is common to dress up in the evening.

110 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs with two flat prongs are in use.

Prime Minister Etienne Ys since 2004.

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, represented locally by Governor Frits Goedgedrag since 2002.