Since it has the appearance of such, this question usually crops up among travelers, as well as those who cut the adventure tour.
The answer, however, is rarely as clear cut as it appears.
Inverse, St Barths, or Saint Barthélemy, carries sole geographic feet in the global image, this leg holds the ears and magic of history and cultural identity as much as nature does.
In this article, we seek to answer whether St Barts is a country, and in the process, inform the readers about the more detail of this exotic location.
The political status of St Barts
Like most Caribbean islands, St Barts is not an independent country.
As a matter of fact, it is an overseas community of France which was self-governing following the separation from the wider administrative area of Guadeloupe in 2007. Nonetheless, such modifications have not removed the fact that St Barts is still a territory of France and, by extension, the European Union.
Nevertheless, the island has its own system of government containing a territorial council and a body of laws which are not subordinate to France. This status plays a defining feature on the identity of the island. It, on the other hand, implies that although French laws govern that territory, the local governing body is allowed to implement some laws that meet the condition on the ground.
St Barts’ rich historical tapestry
The French were the first to settle on the island in the 17th centuries, but it was given to Sweden ceded trading rights in 1784. This Swedish era influenced the architecture of the people of the island as well as the capital of the island, Gustavia, named, after the Swedish King Gustav III. But later, in 1878, St Barts was handed back to the French and became French territorial once again. The coat of arms of the island is a fusion of these two countries as it bears the emblems of both countries.
French is the official language nowadays, however, due to the makeup of the island and its tourist appeal especially from the United States, the English language has gained prominence. This combination of cultures makes St Barts different from any other place in the Caribbean islands.
Economic and cultural characteristics
Like other Caribbean countries, Saint Barthélemy uses the Euro notwithstanding being an island which is operated outside the currency region which brings about eventual closeness to the European Union. The economy of the island is mainly based on tourism and luxury services which targets high-end customers.
Highly ranked among the expensive Caribbean territories, the real estate market of the island also showcases its exclusivity. Since the 1980s, St Barts has changed into a luxury destination with white sands, fine restaurants and high-end shops. The improvement of the Saint-Jean airport and the tough adherence to the building laws have complimented its sophisticated atmosphere.
St Barts or Saint Barthélemy is a place that cannot be readily classified nor easily explained.
Although it is not a country, it is still a dependent country of the French which allows some independence. St Barts is transformed due to its historical aspect and the culture that the people blend in. Whether a traveller or an adventure tour operator, knowing and understanding the unique essence of St Barts island helps to expand one’s skills and experiences in touring the island of St Barts.
