The island of Saint Barthélemy, casually known as St. Barths, is quite small at just 24 km2 (eight square miles). There are 8,398 inhabitants, or a density of 335 inhabitants per km2. One of the things that make the island seem more mysterious is its rugged shoreline encircled by sparkling white sand.

Considered one of the oldest volcanic islands in the Lesser Antilles, its dry, rocky soil is not suited for agriculture. Its fauna, while seemingly rare, has an unusual diversity: iguanas, land and sea turtles, and marine birds, from the pelican—mascot of the island—to the charming little hummingbird found in gardens. The flora grows as best it can, depending on the weather, as there is not always enough rain. Yet this does not inhibit the proliferation of multicolored flowers in the gardens of island homes.