Overview of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Profile

Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea in the Lesser Antilles, this nation consists of two volcanic islands characterized by beautiful landscapes where blue seas meet tropical rainforests. While sugar cane once dominated the economy, today tourism, financial services, and Citizenship by Investment programs are the primary sources of foreign exchange. Despite being among the smallest in the Western Hemisphere by area and population, it hosts the headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, making it a regional financial hub. Under a warm, not overly dry tropical maritime climate, water sports and beach resorts can be enjoyed year-round.

Official name: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
Common name: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Numeric code: 659
Alpha-3 code: KNA
Alpha-2 code: KN
Population: Approximately 50,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 190 people/km²
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity (Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, Roman Catholic, etc.)
National anthem: O Land of Beauty!
Calling code: +1-869
Internet TLD: .kn

History

Colonized by Britain and France in the 1620s, it gained independence from the UK in 1983 as a federal constitutional monarchy.

After Columbus "discovered" both islands in 1493, British colonist Warner settled in 1623, followed by the French the next year, making it one of the earliest European colonies in the West Indies. The expansion of sugar cane plantations led to the forced transport of many slaves from Africa, shaping the island's social and economic foundations. During the 18th century, Brimstone Hill Fortress was built as a strategic stronghold during Anglo-French conflicts. In the 19th century, it became part of the Leeward Islands colony, gained self-governance in 1967, and achieved full independence as Saint Christopher and Nevis on September 19, 1983. Anguilla separated in 1980. Since then, the nation has diversified its economy through tourism and financial services while maintaining a federal system that accommodates Nevis Island's separatist tendencies.

Geography & climate

Volcanic mountains adjacent to coastal plains, with black and white sand beaches intermixed. Interior is tropical rainforest, surrounded by coral reefs.

Tropical maritime climate (leaning toward savanna climate)

Area: North America / 261 km²
Capital: Basseterre
Largest city: Basseterre
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic soil, Sugar cane-derived biomass, Geothermal energy, Tourism-valuable landscapes, Fishery resources, Potential wind power, Solar energy, Lava stone, Hot spring water, Tropical fruit trees

Politics

Government: Federal constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system (Commonwealth realm)

Economy

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

GDP (nominal): 1.1 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 2.2 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: AST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African descent, Mixed race (Mulatto), European descent, Indian descent, Indigenous Caribbean descendants, Portuguese (Madeira immigrants), Syrian-Lebanese

Life expectancy

73.5 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 97%

National sports

Football (Soccer), Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Sailing, Golf, Netball