Saint Barthelemy (Territorial Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy) is an island overseas territory of France. Located in the Caribbean Sea on an island with an area of 25 km2 (10 sq mi), south of the island of Saint Martin and east of Puerto Rico. It is located in the Caribbean region.
The capital is Gustavia.
Saint Barthélemy has the status of an overseas collective (collectivité d'outre-mer), which means that the island has a certain autonomy in managing its internal affairs, but major issues such as foreign policy and defense are the responsibility of the French government. The French president is formally the head of state, but power on the island is exercised through elected bodies such as the Senate (Conseil territorial) and a local executive called the committee (Comité territorial). Saint-Barthélemy also represents its elected representatives in the French Parliament.
The climate on the island is tropical marine. Temperatures do not vary much throughout the year, 25-28 °C (77-82 °F). The rainy season is from May to November, and the dry season is from December to April.
The population is about 10,500 people.
The official language in Saint Barthélemy is French. English is also often used, especially in the tourism sector.
The largest contribution to the economy comes from tourism and duty-free shopping. The official currency of Saint Barthélemy is the euro.
The island has a high standard of living, thanks to international investment and tourists. The island is currently experiencing a real construction boom. Both hotels and housing are being built. Many people who come here sail on yachts, as low prices for fuel for yachts are kept low to attract them. Despite the fact that villas and accommodation in general are quite expensive, the island receives more than 200,000 tourists a year. As well as migrant workers who work in tourism and construction.
Medical care is provided in the only hospital on the island, but it is equipped with good equipment and qualified personnel. But in difficult cases, patients are brought to the continent.
Primary and secondary education on the island is of a good standard. Students receive it in four schools, two of them public and two private. But there is no higher education on the island, so those who wish to go to the mainland of France or receive it online.
Regarding citizenship of Saint Barthelemy, the island does not provide its own citizenship as it is an overseas territory of France. Saint Barthélemy citizenship is granted through French naturalization. To become a French citizen and therefore have the status of a citizen of Saint Barthélemy, one usually requires residence and registration in France for a certain period of time, the fulfillment of certain conditions and the completion of a naturalization procedure, which is established by French law.