Eustatia

Eustatia, also known as Sint Eustatius, is a special municipality of the Netherlands located in the Caribbean. It is part of the Dutch Caribbean and lies in the northern Leeward Islands chain, southeast of the Virgin Islands and north of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Historically, Sint Eustatius was a major center of trade in the 18th century, earning the nickname "The Golden Rock." Its neutral status during the American Revolutionary War allowed it to become a key supplier of arms and provisions to the American rebels. This led to the island being the first foreign entity to officially recognize the United States in 1776, an event marked by the firing of the "First Salute" from Fort Oranje in response to the arrival of the American brig Andrew Doria.

The island's economy is now primarily based on tourism and government services. Sint Eustatius offers visitors opportunities for diving, hiking, and exploring historical sites. The island is known for its relatively undeveloped nature and commitment to ecological preservation.

Administratively, Sint Eustatius, along with Saba and Bonaire, became special municipalities of the Netherlands in 2010, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. This status grants the island a degree of autonomy while remaining part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.