The Territorial Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy is an island located in the Leeward Islands between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, east of the US Virgin Islands and about 35 kilometers from Saint Martin. The population is about 7,200 people. A president of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and the French president is the chief of state.
In 1493, Columbus discovered this island and named it after his brother, Barolomeo. The French settled the island beginning around 1763. This island was part of Guadeloupe as a French commune for many years. The island achieved separation from Guadeloupe and became an Overseas Collectivity of France in 2007.
The economy on this island depends heavily on tourism with about 200,000 visitors a year. Travellers can enjoy beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
Saint Barthélemy