Saba

by Paul Bacsich, Sero

Saba is a Caribbean island and the smallest special municipality (officially a public body) of the Netherlands.

It consists largely of the potentially active volcano Mount Scenery (877 m), the highest point of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands proper.

Saba, including the islet of Green Island, became a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010.

The island has a land area of 13 km² (5 sq. miles).

At the 2001 Netherlands Antilles census, the population was 1,349 inhabitants, which means a population density of 104 inhabitants per km².

In 2004 the population was estimated at 1,424 inhabitants.

Its current major towns and settlements include The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell's Gate and St. Johns.

As the island is part of the Netherlands, Dutch is the official language.

Despite the island's Dutch affiliation, English is the principal language spoken on the island and has been used in its school system since the 19th century.

English can therefore be used in communication of and to the government although there is a local dialect.

Since January 1, 2011, the US dollar has been the official currency, replacing the Netherlands Antillian Guilder.

Education in Saba

Saba is home to the Saba University School of Medicine - http://www.saba.edu/saba/index.php. This was established by American expatriates in coordination with the Netherlands government. The school adds over 300 residents when classes are in session, and it is the prime educational attraction. A.M. Edwards Medical Center is the major provider of healthcare for local residents.

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