Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Caribbean.

It is part of the French West Indies in the northeastern Caribbean. The island sits southeast of Saint Martin and Anguilla.

It is also northeast of the Dutch islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius. To the south lies the independent nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The island is a volcanic landmass. It is fully encircled by shallow reefs.

The capital city is Gustavia. This city serves as the main harbor for the island.

The geography of the island is defined by its relationship with the sea.

Saint Barthélemy sits on a flat bank of soundings. This bank is composed mainly of coral, sand, and shells. The bank extends east-southeast from the island. A narrow stretch of deep water separates this bank from the main area. The north and east sides of the island feature visible coral reefs. These reefs sit a short distance from the shore in shallow waters. Because the sea is rich in marine life, the area has been a protected area since 1996.

A marine reserve was founded in 1999 to protect vulnerable habitats and islands.

The coastline offers many different environments for visitors. There are approximately 22 public beaches on the island. These are often called "Anse" in French. Fifteen of these beaches are suitable for swimming. The beaches are divided into two distinct groups. The leeward side features calm waters protected by the island. The windward side has stronger winds and waves.

Windward beaches are popular for windsurfing. For example, St. Jean is a major site for water sports.

Some beaches are very remote. Anse Toiny is a location for experienced surfers due to strong currents. On the leeward side, Shell Beach is known for its many sea shells.

The history of Saint Barthélemy is marked by many different rulers. Before European contact, the island may have been used by Taíno and Arawak people. They called the island Ouanalao. However, the lack of fresh water meant they likely did not live there permanently. Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493. He named the island after Bartholomew the Apostle.

French settlers arrived in 1648. They began cultivating cacao under the leadership of Jacques Gentes. The island later became part of the French Kingdom and the colony of Guadeloupe in 1674.

One of the most unique periods in the island's history was its time as a Swedish colony.

In 1784, King Louis XVI traded the island to Sweden. He did this to gain trading privileges in Gothenburg. Under Swedish rule, Gustavia became a free port. This brought progress and prosperity through European trade. This period included the practice of slavery. The last legally owned slaves were granted freedom by the state in October 1847. After economic struggles and natural disasters, a referendum was held in 1877. The people voted to return to French rule. The island was sold back to France in 1778.

In the 20th century, the island underwent significant modernization. On March 19, 1946, the residents became full French citizens. For many years, the economy was difficult. Many men worked on Saint Thomas to support their families. This changed in the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of organized tourism. The construction of a landing strip allowed mid-sized aircraft to visit.

This led to the island becoming a high-end luxury destination. Famous celebrities have visited the island for holidays. This tourism boosted living standards and brought modernization. Interestingly, the island did not have electricity until the 1980s.

Today, Saint Barthélemy has a unique political status. It was once a French commune within Guadeloupe. However, residents voted for secession in 2003. In February 2007, it officially became an overseas collectivity.

This status provides the island with a degree of autonomy. A territorial council manages the administration. A senator also represents the island in Paris. In January 2012, the island left the European Union to become an Overseas Country or Territory. The population was recorded at 10,660 people in the January 2023 census. Despite its political changes, the culture remains distinctly French through its language and cuisine.