Saint Barthelemy

(Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy, Territorial Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy, Sankt Bartholomeus, St.Barts, St.Barth’s)

General Information:

• Location: Northeastern Caribbean
• Capital: Gustavia
• Language(s): French
• Total Area: 21 sq km
• Population: 9,793
• Currency: Euro
• Curious Alcohol Fact: The island is a major wine center.
• Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: liters
• Most Popular Drink(s): Wines

St. Barthelemy Travel Video

Credits: SaintBarthsOnline

The Country

One of the constituents of the Leeward Islands in the French West Indies, Saint Barthélemy is a collectivity of France. This is the same status with other islands in the region. These include Saint Martin (Sint Maartin), Martinique and Guadeloupe. It lies to the east of Puerto Rico (a state in free association with the United States), to the north of Saint Kitts (or Saint Christopher) and to the southeast of Saint Martin. The principal port is Gustavia and it also doubles as the capital city. Its history is unique in the sense that it is the only island nation in the Caribbean that was ruled by Sweden for a relatively long period.

The People

Unlike many of the other island nations in the Caribbean where Blacks are usually the largest ethnic group, migrants from Europe form the predominant class in Saint Barthélemy. These include the descendants of those who migrated initially from France and the United Kingdom. In addition to the Europeans, there are mulattoes who have mixed ancestries and Africans. Many of the islanders engage in agriculture and in the booming tourism industry.

Eating and Drinking in St. Barts

For the food aficionados, this is the right place. With an array of French, Asian, Italian and West Indian dishes, you have more than enough to select from. Grilled lobsters and smoked fish with fine wine are favorites.

Sports and Recreation in Saint Barthelemy

When it comes to sports, the size of Saint Barthélemy is actually irrelevant as the island is one of the best places in the Caribbean for sports and recreation. Rugby is the most popular sport on the island. In addition to rugby, football, kitesurfing, yachting and other water sports are widely enjoyed. If you want to have the ideal vacation, St. Barts is it. When it comes to festivities and carnivals, you will also find the islands not only vibrant but also amazing. There is the legendary St. Barts Music Festival and is held every January. If you are a movie buff, then you must also attend the St. Barts Festival of Caribbean Cinema. As for me, I will always cherish the memories of the angelic Festival of Gustavia which incorporated ceaseless partying and fishing! Held every August, the Festival of Gustavia is one of the liveliest in the Caribbean. The truth of the matter on ground here is that there is no story of a trip that can be like you taking time off to visit this wonderful island. You will surely have an experience that will last you for a lifetime.

Interesting Facts About Saint Barthelemy

• The indigenous name of the collectivity is Ouanalao.
• Saint Barthélemy is volcanic in nature.
• Saint Barthélemy is unique in the sense that of all the islands in the Caribbean, it is the only one with the history of Swedish colonization for a relatively long time.
As a matter of fact, its Swedish name is Sankt Bartholomeus.
• Saint Barthélemy was once under British rule.
• Saint Barthélemy has a senator representing it in France.
• Saint Barthélemy was once part of Guadeloupe.
• Saint Barthélemy is actually part of the European Union.
• St. Barts is one of the most exotic winter resorts in the world.

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Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).