Saba is the peak of a submerged extinct volcano. With only one road (‘The Road’) and a population of less than 1,500, Saba is the most unspoilt of The Netherlands Antilles; the inhabitants will claim that visitors are so few that each one is something of a celebrity. Until 50 years ago, Saba was a secluded oasis, having neither an airport nor a sheltered harbour.

There are four villages, until recently connected only by thousands of steps cut from the rock. A road now links the airport with the island’s capital, The Bottom. The Bottom is situated 250m (820ft) above the ocean on a plateau surrounded by volcanic domes.

13 sq km (5 sq miles).

1,424 (2004 census).

109.5 per sq km.

The Bottom.

Part of the Netherlands Antilles; dependency of The Netherlands. Gained internal autonomy in 1954.  

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

Roman Catholic majority; also Anglican and Wesleyan.

GMT - 4.

Dutch customs are still important throughout the Netherlands Antilles, but tourism on neighbouring St Maarten has brought some US influence to Saba (several businesses are US-owned). Dress is casual and lightweight cottons are advised.

110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.

Prime Minister Etienne Ys since 2004.

HM Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, represented locally by Governor Dr Fritz M de los Santos Goedgedrag.