Overview of Saint Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts)

Profile

Despite being only 25km² in size, this small island is a luxury resort where French sophistication meets Caribbean sunshine. With duty-free privileges, private villas, and marinas, it's famous for attracting international celebrities and the wealthy elite. It features a coastline with numerous calm coves and varied topography including Morne de Vitet (281m). While French is the official language, English is widely used in the tourism industry, and signs from the Swedish colonial period remain on street corners. Transportation centers on Gustaf III Airport for small aircraft and ferries from neighboring islands.

Official name: Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy
Common name: Saint Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts)
Numeric code: 652
Alpha-3 code: BLM
Alpha-2 code: BL
Population: Approximately 11,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 400 people/km2
Primary languages: French, Creole, English (widely used in tourism industry)
Major religions: Roman Catholic
National anthem: La Marseillaise (French National Anthem)
Calling code: +590
Internet TLD: .bl（予約ドメイン）/.fr/.gp

History

Named by Columbus in 1493, passed through Swedish rule in the 18th-19th centuries before returning to France in 1878, achieving autonomous status as an overseas collectivity in 2007.

Columbus arrived in 1493 at the island called 'Ouanalao' by the indigenous Arawak people and named it after his brother Bartholomew. French settlers arrived in 1648, and the island became known as a pirate haven. In 1784, France ceded the island to Sweden, which developed it as a free port, but France repurchased it in 1878 and incorporated it into Guadeloupe. After a 2003 referendum showed strong support for greater autonomy, it separated from Guadeloupe on February 22, 2007, becoming a French overseas collectivity (COM). Street names and celebrations from the Swedish era remain as cultural heritage.

Geography & climate

Volcanic-origin island with varied topography—rugged cliffs in the northwest, white-sand coves dotting the south. Coral reefs surround the coast forming crystal-clear lagoons.

Tropical savanna climate (distinct dry and rainy seasons)

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 24 km²
Capital: Gustavia
Largest city: Gustavia
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coral reefs, Sea salt, Trade winds, Tourism resources, Tropical fruits, Fishery resources (lobster), Seaweed, White sand, Mangroves, Cactus vegetation

Politics

Government: Overseas collectivity of the French Republic (autonomous territorial collectivity)

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Creole, English (widely used in tourism industry)

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

French whites (Breton-Norman), African/Creole, Mixed race (Mulatto), Portuguese immigrants, Brazilian workers

Life expectancy

Approximately 83 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 99%

National sports

Sailing, Yacht racing, Football, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Surfing, Pétanque