Some statistics about Saint Barthélemy

Demography: a shifting microcosm

Total population: 10,685 (2023 projection) – +12.7% since 2017 INSEE 2022 Census.

A blend of nationalities: 86% French citizens (23% naturalized), 14% foreign residents (Portuguese, Saint-Martinois, Dominican) Prefecture of Saint Barthélemy.

Age distribution:17.4% under 1549.5% working-age (15-59)32.1% seniors (60+)Defying tax haven aging stereotypes INSEE Social Study.

Quirky stat: 623 valid boat licenses in 2023 – 1 per 17 residents, a global record fueled by 1,112 superyachts (>24m) docking at Gustavia Port Authority Report 2023.

Economy: wealth and disparities

GDP per capita: €42,700 (2022) – 12.4% above mainland France IEDOM Economic Report.

Key sectors (2023):Tourism: 68% of GDPConstruction: 24% (post-Hurricane Irma boom)Public services: 8%Agriculture/Fishing: 0.3% – a nutritional paradox

Real estate: Rue de République averages €42,300/m², peaking at €58,700/m² for historic villas WIMCO Real Estate Analysis. No fast-food chains disrupt this luxury – local law forbids them.

Tourism: controlled overload

2023 visitors: 312,000 (air + sea), +38% vs. 2019 Caribbean Tourism Observatory. Origins reshuffled:55.8% North America16% Mainland France12.6% Europe (non-French)10.1% Caribbean neighbors

Languages and religion

Languages:

French: Official language, widely spoken by the majority of the population

English: Widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry

Saint Barth Patois: Spoken by approximately 500-700 people, mostly older residents

Antillean Creole: Present on the island, but less common than French

Religion:

Catholic: Majority of the population

Other Christian denominations: Including Anglican and Pentecostal communities

The identity of Saint Barthélemy balances French, Swedish, and Caribbean influences:

French influence is predominant in language, cuisine, and traditions

Swedish heritage is visible in Gustavia’s architecture and street names

Caribbean culture is reflected in local celebrations like Carnival, featuring colorful parades and Creole rhythms

This unique blend of cultural elements contributes to Saint Barthélemy’s distinct identity in the Caribbean

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