Compared with the great majority of the Antilles’ inhabitants, here the population is white: in fact the soil infertility had prevented almost completely the traditional production activities in this climates.
Occupied by the French and for short time by the Swedes (the capital Gustavia recall King Gustav III) it belongs to the French Overseas Department of Guadeloupe.
With the increasing tourism, especially American, the building construction was focused on research elegance; life runs natty, not frenetic, and the absence of a casino guarantees relax and quiet.
The coasts are very jagged and rich in oxbows and inlets which offer landing places and nautical assistance to yachtsmen.
The seabed is teeming with fish.
Saint Barthélemy bears the name of Christopher Columbus’ brother, Bartholomew.