Trivia in Saint Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts)

National symbols

Flag: Official flag is the French tricolor. For tourism purposes, a white flag with the island's coat of arms in the center is often used.

Emblem: The coat of arms features a shield divided into three parts with fleur-de-lis (France), Maltese cross, and Swedish crown, with an 'Ouanalao' banner below and a mural crown on top.

Trivia & facts

• Saint Barthélemy's nickname is "St. Barts" in American English, "St-Barth" in French.
• Gustaf III Airport, considered the island's most dangerous, has a runway of about 650m requiring hill clearance during landing.
• Almost all goods are imported, so most items including food are duty-free.
• Street signs from the Swedish rule period still include Swedish text.
• Even the island's highest peak, Morne de Vitet, is relatively low at 281m elevation.
• Electricity is the same as mainland France at 220V/50Hz, with Type C/E plugs standard.
• The former salt pond site of Étang de Saint-Jean is now a resting place for migratory birds.
• Some beaches (such as Grande Saline) tolerate topless or nudist bathers.
• Sunscreen ingredients may be regulated for coral reef protection.
• Beach lighting is restricted during sea turtle nesting season (May-November).