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Who owns St Barts island?

St Barts belongs to France. It is part of the French West Indies but is an overseas collectivity with a degree of autonomy. As such, St Barts is not an independent country and the locals have no desire to part ways with France.



Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Barts, is an Overseas Collectivity (COM) of France. This means it is a French territory with its own local government but remains under French sovereignty. Historically, the island was a French colony, then was sold to Sweden in 1784 (which is why the capital is named Gustavia), before being sold back to France in 1878. Today, the residents are French citizens, the official language is French, and the currency is the Euro. However, St. Barts has a special status within the European Union; it is an "Overseas Country and Territory" (OCT), meaning it is not part of the Schengen Area and has more autonomy over its local tax laws, which is why it has become a famous tax haven for the global elite. While France oversees matters of defense and international relations, the island is managed by a local Territorial Council. When you land at its famous short-runway airport, you are technically on French soil, but the island operates with a distinct, high-end Caribbean flair that blends Gallic sophistication with tropical luxury, making it the premier playground for billionaires, celebrities, and yacht enthusiasts from around the world.

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The Russian billionaire appears to own at least one additional property in St. Barts that has not been previously reported. In 2009, Roman Abramovich paid a reported $90 million for his 70-acre estate on the Caribbean island of St. Barts, a French overseas territory.

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For those who truly love to sail, St Barts is considered to have some of the best sailing conditions on the planet. So what makes the world's rich and famous flock to St Barts for a vacation? Simply put, it's a level of exclusivity not found in many other urban areas.

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Barts find that the cost of living is higher than in the United States, Canada, or Europe. The main currency is the Euro, as a French territory. Most vacation rentals cost anywhere from US$ 300 to US$ 1,000+ per night. Hotels range from US$ 200 to US$ 1,000+ per night.

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Make no mistake, this paradise is more expensive than other Caribbean islands (especially since local currency is the euro). But there's ways to enjoy St. Barts whether your budget is large or small.

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The Walton Family: Retail Dominance In 1962, he founded Walmart, which quickly grew into a retail behemoth, becoming the world's largest company by revenue. Sam Walton's legacy lives on through his descendants, who collectively own about half of Walmart's shares, making them the wealthiest family in the world.

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Generally, you're permitted to bring in items intended for your personal use, including tobacco, cameras, film, and a limited supply of liquor -- usually 40 ounces. Just before you leave home, check with the St. Maarten/St. Martin (as well as St.

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St. Barts—also known as St-Barth, St. Barths, and Saint Barthélemy—is a French-speaking Caribbean island known for its luxe vibe and flawless beaches.

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While St Barts is smaller, chicer, and more geared towards couples, St Martin has much more variety and makes for an incredible family destination. That said, you can easily ferry between the two for day trips, which is why, for many, the decision ultimately comes down to which island is home to the villa they prefer.

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The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

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