A semi-autonomous territory of France, this neat, 8-square-mile island has a population of around 7,000, mostly of Breton and Norman descent. The terrain is hilly, but dazzling white beaches skirt the perimeter. The capital, Gustavia, is generally considered to be the prettiest town in the entire Caribbean. Owing to the large number of American and European visitors, St. Barths has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than other French outposts such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. Thanks to the enduring Gallic influence, however, its restaurants are excellent and the seafood invariably delicious.