Saba Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Saba

— Public body of the Netherlands —

Motto: "Remis Velisque" (Latin)
"With oars and sails" (English)

Anthem: "Saba you rise from the ocean"

Location of Saba (orange)

in the Caribbean (light yellow)

Map showing location of Saba relative to St. Eustatius and St. Martin.

Country Netherlands

Capital
(and largest city) The Bottom
17°38′N 63°15′W / 17.633°N 63.250°W / 17.633; -63.250 (The Bottom)

Official language(s) Dutch

Recognised regional languages English

Government See Politics of the Netherlands

- Monarch Willem-Alexander

- Lt. Governor Jonathan Johnson

Area

- Total 13 km²
5 sq mi

Population

- 2012 census 1,971

- Density 140/km²
362.6/sq mi

Currency US dollar (USD)

Time zone AST (UTC−4)

Internet TLD .an, .nl

Calling code +599-4

Saba (spoken as "Sah-ba") is a small, special island in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Netherlands. Saba is famous for being the smallest island that belongs to the Netherlands Antilles.

This beautiful island is mostly made up of a large mountain called Mount Scenery. This mountain is 877 meters (about 2,877 feet) tall. It is the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands. Mount Scenery is actually a dormant volcano, which means it's a volcano that hasn't erupted in a very long time but could possibly erupt again someday.

Saba is quite tiny, with a land area of only 13 square kilometers (about 5 square miles). In 2012, about 1,971 people lived there. Even though it's small, Saba is a unique place to visit and live!

Geography and Nature
- Unique Wildlife
Life on Saba
- Culture and Traditions
- Getting Around
Images for kids
See also

Geography and Nature

Saba is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Lesser Antilles island chain. The island's shape is dominated by its volcanic peak, Mount Scenery.

The island has steep cliffs and a rugged coastline. There are no sandy beaches like on many other Caribbean islands. Instead, Saba is known for its rocky shores and clear waters. This makes it a great spot for diving and exploring underwater life.

Unique Wildlife

Saba is home to some special animals. One example is the Saban anole, a type of lizard. This lizard is endemic to Saba, meaning it lives only on this island and nowhere else in the world.

The island's diverse plant life thrives on the volcanic soil. You can find lush forests, especially higher up on Mount Scenery. This green environment supports many different kinds of birds and insects.

Life on Saba

The main town on Saba is called The Bottom. It is the capital and largest village on the island. Despite its name, The Bottom is actually located in a valley, not at the very bottom of the island.

Life on Saba is peaceful and quiet. The people of Saba are known for their friendly nature. Many homes on the island are built in a traditional style, with red roofs and white walls.

Culture and Traditions

The official language on Saba is Dutch, but most people speak English. This is because English has been used on the island for a very long time.

Saba has its own unique traditions. One famous craft is "Saba lace," also known as "Spanish Work." This delicate lace-making technique was brought to the island many years ago and is still practiced today.

Getting Around

Saba has one of the shortest commercial airport runways in the world. It is called Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. Because of the short runway and the island's steep terrain, landing here is a thrilling experience!

Most transportation on the island is by car or taxi. There are winding roads that connect the villages. The views from these roads are often spectacular, looking out over the ocean and the green hills.