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HRsolution » COUNTRIES » Saint Barthelemy

  1. Population

    Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. Barth or St. Barts, has a population of about 10,000 residents. Most inhabitants live in coastal towns and villages. The population primarily consists of descendants of French settlers and expatriates.

  2. Capital

    The capital of Saint-Barthélemy is Gustavia, a charming harbor town with approximately 2,300 residents. It is the administrative and commercial center of the island, known for its harbor, which hosts numerous yachts.

  3. Economic Power

  • The economy of Saint-Barthélemy is primarily based on luxury tourism, attracting affluent visitors who stay in the island’s exclusive hotels and resorts.
  • Other important sectors include retail, luxury yachting, real estate, and gastronomy.
  • The island’s reputation as an exclusive holiday destination brings significant revenue to local businesses and the service sector.
  • The island does not receive direct financial support from France as it is self-governing.

  1. Culture

  • The culture of Saint-Barthélemy is strongly influenced by French traditions, with additional elements from Creole culture and some Scandinavian influences (as the island was once controlled by Sweden).
  • French is the official language, and Catholic traditions are deeply rooted in the culture.
  • Tourism plays a significant role in the cultural life, and many international influences have been integrated due to the affluent visitors.

  1. Currency

  • The official currency is the Euro (EUR), as Saint-Barthélemy is an overseas territory of France.

  1. Health Insurance and Social Security System

  • Saint-Barthélemy has a well-developed health and social insurance system that is part of the French social security system.
  • The island has a public health system funded by social security contributions, with both employees and employers making payments similar to the system in France.
  • Private health insurance options are also available for additional coverage.

  1. Employer Costs

  • Employers must pay social security contributions for their employees, covering health, pension, and unemployment insurance. These contributions can amount to 40-45% of the gross salary, depending on the sector and type of employment.
  • The regulations largely mirror those in France.

  1. Salary and Bonuses

  • The minimum wage on Saint-Barthélemy follows the French minimum wage (SMIC), which is approximately 1,747 euros gross per month (as of 2023).
  • Additionally, employees often receive performance-based bonuses or those tied to company profits. While there is no legally mandated 13th-month salary, many companies offer bonuses or additional payments.

  1. Payroll

  • Payrolls in Saint-Barthélemy follow the French model and include details on gross salary, social security contributions, taxes, and any bonuses.
  • Income taxes and social contributions are directly deducted from the gross salary, similar to France.

  1. Public Holidays

    Saint-Barthélemy observes a mix of French and local holidays. Key holidays include:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Bastille Day (July 14)
  • All Saints’ Day (November 1)
  • Christmas (December 25)
  • Victory Day (May 8, marking the end of World War II in Europe)
    There are also local festivals celebrated by the island’s residents.

  1. Working Hours

  • The standard workweek on Saint-Barthélemy is 35 hours, similar to France.
  • Overtime must be compensated with additional pay or time off, in accordance with French labor laws.

  1. Vacation

  • Employees are entitled to at least 5 weeks of paid vacation per year, as mandated by French law.
  • Paid leave is also provided for public holidays.

  1. Sick Leave

  • In the event of illness, there is wage continuation initially covered by the employer and then by social security.
  • The amount and duration of sick pay depend on the length of employment and the social security regulations. The first days of illness are typically paid by the employer, with the state social security taking over afterward.

  1. Termination/Severance

  • Terminations in Saint-Barthélemy, like in France, must be well justified, and employees benefit from strong protection against dismissal.
  • In the event of termination, employees are entitled to severance pay, calculated based on the duration of employment and the terms of the employment contract.
  • Notice periods are legally regulated and vary depending on the length of service and the type of contract.

Saint-Barthélemy closely follows the French system in many aspects, particularly in social security and labor law. The island offers its residents and employees high standards of social and labor protection similar to those in France, with luxury tourism playing a pivotal role in the local economy.

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