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Saba is the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles, located at 17¡Æ38¡ÇN 63¡Æ14¡ÇW / 17.633¡ÆN 63.233¡ÆW / 17.633; -63.233Coordinates: 17¡Æ38¡ÇN 63¡Æ14¡ÇW / 17.633¡ÆN 63.233¡ÆW / 17.633; -63.233. It consists largely of the potentially active volcano Mount Scenery (877 m), the highest point of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Saba has a land area of 13 km©÷ (5 sq. miles). At the 2001 Netherlands Antilles census, the population was 1,349 inhabitants, which means a population density of 104 inhabitants per km©÷. In 2004 the population was estimated at 1,424 inhabitants. The official languages are Dutch, English, and (as part of the Netherlands Antilles) Papiamento; the local language is Virgin Islands Creole.

Its current major settlements include The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell's Gate and St. Johns. Both Dutch and English are official languages. 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. The Netherlands Antillian Guilder (ANG) is the official currency, but the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Starting January 1st 2011, however, the U.S. dollar will take over as the official currency.

Saba is home to the Saba University School of Medicine, which 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.

Saba is slated to become a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands, and currently the schedule for this transition has been set for October 10th, 2010.

The island declared its intention to become independent from the Netherlands Antilles on 1 September 2009 whilst stating that it will adhere to its referendum result of 86% in favour of direct ties with the Netherlands However, according to Dutch State Secretary Bijleveld for Kingdom Relations, it is at this moment not legally possible for Saba to become independent from the Antilles

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