Country Profile: Saint Barthelemy

Saint Barthelemy, an overseas collectivity of France, is a small island located in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches and tropical climate. The population, estimated at approximately 7,086 as of 2024, is primarily concentrated in the capital, Gustavia. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism and duty-free commerce, making it vulnerable to external economic fluctuations. Governance is administered through a parliamentary democracy, allowing local control while remaining under the broader French political framework.

Geography

Saint Barthelemy is positioned in the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the US Virgin Islands. The island's total area is about 25 square kilometers, characterized by hilly terrain and surrounded by shallow-water reefs. Its climate is tropical with two distinct seasons, and the island features a marine nature reserve aimed at protecting local biodiversity.

25 sq km: Total area of Saint Barthelemy.
286 m: Elevation of Morne du Vitet, the highest point on the island.
0 km: Saint Barthelemy has no land boundaries.
8.5%: Forested area of the island (2022 estimate).
100%: Population living in urban areas with access to improved drinking water.

People and Society

The population of Saint Barthelemy is diverse, comprised of French, Portuguese, Caribbean, and Afro-Caribbean ethnicities, with a primary language of French and a notable presence of English speakers. The island has a balanced age structure, with a median age of 47.4 years. Birth and death rates are relatively stable, with life expectancy at about 81 years.

7,086: Estimated total population (2024).
81 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
9.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
9.5 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2024).
58.5: Total dependency ratio (2024).

Economy

Saint Barthelemy enjoys a high-income economy driven by tourism and luxury commerce, while relying on imports for most of its food, water, and energy needs. In 2023, Spain and Switzerland were the primary partners for exports, with refined copper and jewelry as key commodities. The island's economic activities are hindered by its environmental vulnerabilities.

57%: Exports to Spain (2023).
50%: Imports from Switzerland (2023).
6%: Exports to France (2023).
100%: Import dependency for food and energy.
Duty-free: Status promoting luxury goods sales.

Government

As a parliamentary democracy, Saint Barthelemy's government is organized under an overseas collectivity of France. The executive branch is led by the President of the Territorial Council, while the legislative branch consists of a Unicameral Territorial Council. Citizens exercise their right to vote at 18 years of age, and the legal system follows French civil law.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
19: Seats in the Territorial Council.
2027: Next expected election year.
100%: Universal suffrage for citizens.
President: Emmanuel Macron as chief of state since 2017.

Energy

Saint Barthelemy has achieved full electrification for its population, ensuring that all residents have access to electricity. This is critical for supporting both the local economy and quality of life on the island.

100%: Electrification rate (2021).

Environment

The island faces several environmental challenges, including urbanization, land-based pollution, overfishing, and limited freshwater resources. It remains sensitive to the impacts of climate change due to its geographic and ecological characteristics.

8.5%: Forest coverage (2022).
0%: Agricultural land use (2022).
Tropical climate: Characterized by little temperature variation.

Transportation

Saint Barthelemy is served by a single airport, facilitating travel for both residents and tourists, which is essential for the island's tourism-based economy.

1: Total number of airports (2025).

Communications

The communication landscape in Saint Barthelemy includes local TV broadcasters and several FM radio channels, with a significant percentage of the population having internet access.

71.3%: Percentage of the population with internet access (2022).
2: Number of local TV broadcasters (2021).
5: FM radio channels available (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,086	Estimated (2024)
Area	25 sq km	Total land area
GDP (nominal)	Not available	N/A
Electricity access	100%	Total population (2021)
Birth rate	9.3 births/1,000	Estimated (2024)
Death rate	9.5 deaths/1,000	Estimated (2024)
Life expectancy	81 years	Estimated (2024)
Median age	47.4 years	Estimated (2024)
Dependency ratio	58.5	Total dependency ratio (2024)
Unemployment rate	Not available	N/A