Saint-Barthélemy

Saint-Barthélemy, small island dependency of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. Saint-Barthélemy is a dry volcanic island, 21 sq km (8 sq mi) in area, near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles island group in the West Indies. The highest point on the island is 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. Known for its white-sand beaches, Saint-Barthélemy is a popular tourist destination. Gustavia is the chief town and port.

Occupied by the French in 1648, Saint-Barthélemy was ceded to Sweden in 1784 in exchange for the right of establishing a port of entry for French goods at Göteborg, Sweden. It was restored to France in 1877. Today some street signs on the island are written in Swedish and French, a reminder of the island’s history. Population (1990) 5,038.