Saint Barthélemy, often called St. Barts, is a small French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean renowned for its luxury tourism and exclusive lifestyle. Despite its global fame as a tourist destination, the island’s population remains small compared to other Caribbean nations. In 1950, the island had just 2,000 residents. Today, in 2024, Saint Barthélemy has a population of around 11,000 people, and projections show that the number will remain relatively stable throughout the 21st century.
Historical Population Growth (1950–2024)
From 1950 through the mid-1970s, the population of Saint Barthélemy stayed at just 2,000 residents. Growth began slowly in the late 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the island’s rise as an international luxury travel hotspot. By 1990, the population reached 5,000, and by 2010 it had nearly doubled to 9,000.
Key Historical Data
| Year | Population (thousands) |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 2 |
| 1970 | 2 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2024 | 11 |
Future Population Projections for Saint Barthélemy (2025–2100)
Unlike many Caribbean islands experiencing steady growth, Saint Barthélemy’s population is projected to remain small and relatively stable. The population is expected to peak at around 13,000 people in the 2040s and 2050s, before gradually declining to about 9,000 residents by 2100.
Projected Population Data
| Year | Projected Population (thousands) |
|---|---|
| 2030 | 12 |
| 2050 | 13 |
| 2075 | 11 |
| 2100 | 9 |
This projection reflects the island’s limited land area, migration patterns, and its reliance on seasonal tourism rather than long-term settlement.
FAQ
In 2024, Saint Barthélemy has around 11,000 residents.
The population started increasing significantly in the 1970s and 1980s, alongside the rise of luxury tourism.
By 2050, Saint Barthélemy’s population is projected to reach about 13,000 residents.
Yes, after 2050, the population is expected to decline gradually, reaching around 9,000 by 2100.
Due to its small size, limited resources, and focus on tourism, Saint Barthélemy’s population has remained modest compared to other Caribbean territories.
Source:
United Nations. World Population Prospects 2024.
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