Saint-Barthélemy was first claimed by France in 1648, and except for a century as a Swedish colony between 1785 and 1878, it has remained in French hands.

Located approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, it lies near the islands of Saint Martin, Saba, and Anguilla.

Gustavia, which is the main town of the island, was named after King Gustav III of Sweden, and remains as a reflection of the Swedish period.

Saint Barts has a small airport (IATA identifier SBH) that is served by small regional commercial aircraft and charters. Most visiting aircraft carry less than twenty passengers, such as the Twin Otter, a common sight around Saint Barths and throughout the northern West Indies. The short airstrip is right on the beach and incoming planes fly right over the heads of sunbathers. The nearest commercial airport is on the neighboring island of Saint Martin.

Ferries to and from Saint Martin are the only other real option, unless one is arriving by private charter boats/yachts.

Small cars -- such as the Smart Car, Suzuki and Jeep -- as well as motor scooters and small motorcycles are the most common type of transportation around the island. The tendency for local drivers to zip around the island at high speeds on the narrow hillside roads can prove harrowing.

Source: Wikipedia