Saint-Barthélemy
- For other uses, see Saint-Barthélemy (disambiguation).
Saint-Barthélemy is a French island located in the Caribbean at 17°54′ N 62°50′ W . Administratively it is part of Guadeloupe, which is an overseas department of France. The island is also known as Saint Barts, Saint Barths, or Saint Barth. In 2003 the population voted in favour of seccesion of Guadeloupe in order to form a separate territorial collectivity.
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History
Saint-Barthélemy was first claimed by the French in 1648, and except for a century as a Swedish colony, between 1785 and 1878, it has remained in French hands.
Geography
Located approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, it lies near the islands of Saint Martin, Saba, and Anguilla.
Gustavia, which is the main town of the island, was named after King Gustav III of Sweden, and remains as a reflection of the Swedish period.
Transportation
Saint Barts has a small airport (IATA identifier SBH) that is served by small regional commercial aircraft and charters. Most visiting aircraft carry less than twenty passengers, such as the Twin Otter, a common sight around Saint Barths and throughout the northern West Indies.
Miscellaneous
Most hotels in Saint Barts are small and exclusive, but private villas are also available. There are no timeshares.
It is rumored that Jimmy Buffett wrote "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at now famous Le Select, a restaurant and bar located in Gustavia.
See also
External links
Categories: Caribbean islands | Swedish colonies | Guadeloupe | Communes of Guadeloupe