Marigot

Marigot

Marigot is the main town and capital in the French Collectivity of Saint Martin. Situated at coordinates 18.06819, -63.08302 in the America/Marigot timezone, the municipality operates using the EUR currency and lists French (fr) among its languages.

Historical Roots and Early Growth

Originally known as the village of Quartier d'Orléans during the 17th century, the settlement derived its current name from the surrounding marshes. Strategic development of the area accelerated in 1789 with the construction of Fort Louis to defend port warehouses, alongside a prison that later functioned as a fire station until 1968. Religious life expanded with the creation of an 1840 church serving parishioners that included over 500 slaves, followed by the 1941 construction of St. Martin of Tours' Church on rue du Fort Louis. Basic municipal infrastructure arrived later through town electrification in 1963 and the installation of a seawater desalination unit in 1965.

Present-Day Economy and Demographics

The local economy and resident community reflect distinct demographic shifts and taxation data recorded as of 2022. With a population density of 138.3 inhabitants per square kilometre, the town contains 1,436 households, of which 1,324 pay taxes. Economic indicators show a median disposable income of €17,640, alongside a poverty rate where 33% of the town sits below the poverty line. Employment figures record 704 employed individuals, while the unemployment rate for residents between 15 and 64 years of age stands at 23.6%.

Long-term population figures show a continuous decades-long decline. The resident count dropped from 3,700 in 2007 to 3,568 in 2012, further decreasing to 3,196 in 2017, and reaching 2,911 by 2022. Historical foreign demographic data from 1999 noted specific communities, including 83 Chinese people, 25 South Africans, and smaller groups of 14 Austrians and Irish residents.

For more information, consult Marigot, Saint Martin and the GeoNames record for Marigot.