Saint Barth

Population Saint Barth

Its 5000 inhabitants are primarily composed of the descendants of Norman and Breton who settled here more than three centuries ago. From their area of origin the Saint Barth kept the language as well as the fairness of their hair.

The residents are divided into three categories:
- Natives and descendants of natives of St Barth.
- residents coming from France.
- And residents from other countries, often from the United States.

These three groups are very different, the first being by far more significant.

The residents of the first group call themselves " St Barth ", name which reflects their hierarchy vis-a-vis the political and cultural values: St Barth are first, France migrants are just after, followed by the United States migrants and, at some distance, by Swedish who controlled the island during the major part of last century.

The ethics of St Barth is close to that of the American rural population of the Twenties. They are modest and discreet people, they keep their opinions for them. The word is crowned and a transaction can be sealed by a handshake, the two parties remaining vigilant to protect their interests. They are people responsible and completely able to manage the problems of life, without counting on the government, the church or whoever. They do not hesitate to benefit from opportunities, but do not wait to be dealt with by unspecified administrative service. There is of course a distinction of class between them, but it is economic and not social and can thus change constantly. The family life is not an empty word for them and the history of their family is a heritage that they preserve jealously.