Overview of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Profile

The country comprises Saint Vincent Island and 33 islands of the northern Grenadines, featuring rich tropical rainforests and crystal-clear coral reefs. The administrative and economic center is the capital, Kingstown. The main industries are banana and arrowroot cultivation, along with high-end resort tourism focused on diving and sailing. It is also a member of OECS, sharing the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as its common currency. The multicultural society is rooted in music such as soca and reggae, Caribbean Carnival, and cricket.

Official name: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Common name: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Numeric code: 670
Alpha-3 code: VCT
Alpha-2 code: VC
Population: Approximately 111,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 285 people/km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal
National anthem: Saint Vincent, Land so Beautiful
Calling code: +1-784
Internet TLD: .vc

History

A Commonwealth realm that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 after colonial rule.

Columbus landed here in 1498, and throughout the 18th century it became a battleground between France and Britain. After resistance by the Garifuna—a mixed group of Caribs and escaped slaves—British colonization was established in the 1790s. The country gained self-government in 1969 and achieved independence on October 27, 1979. Since independence, it has maintained parliamentary democracy while actively participating in regional integration efforts such as OECS and ALBA. In 2021, La Soufrière volcano erupted, resulting in large-scale evacuations and recovery support.

Geography & climate

Saint Vincent Island features rugged volcanic terrain and dense tropical rainforests, while the Grenadines consist of low-lying limestone and coral reefs.

Tropical rainforest climate

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 389 km²
Capital: Kingstown
Largest city: Kingstown
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic ash soil, Abundant fishing grounds, Arrowroot, Geothermal energy, High scenic value coral reefs, Rainwater resources, Tropical hardwood, Tourism resources, Black sand beaches, Manganese fault zone deposits

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (parliamentary system)

Economy

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

GDP (nominal): 910 million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1.73 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African descent, Mixed, Indian, European, Garifuna, Other Caribbean minorities

Life expectancy

Approximately 73.4 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 96%

National sports

Soccer, Cricket, Netball, Track and field, Basketball