Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, also called SKN, is a small island country in the Caribbean. It has two islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and is part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It is very small, with only 261 square kilometres of land and about 48,000 people. It is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere.

The capital city is Basseterre, on Saint Kitts. This is where most people arrive by cruise ships and where goods come in. Nevis is a smaller island, just 3 kilometres southeast of Saint Kitts, separated by a shallow waterway called the Narrows.

Saint Kitts and Nevis were among the first Caribbean islands settled by Europeans. Saint Kitts was the site of the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean. The country became independent from Britain in 1983.

Etymology

The Kalinago people lived on Saint Kitts before Europeans came. They called the island Liamuiga, which means "fertile land".

When Christopher Columbus first saw the islands in 1493, he named the larger island San Cristóbal after Saint Christopher, the protector of travelers. Later, the name changed to Saint Kitts. Columbus named the smaller island San Martín, but it is now called Nevis, from the Spanish phrase meaning "Our Lady of the Snows". This name came from the way clouds cover the island's peak.

Today, the country's official name is Saint Kitts and Nevis or Saint Christopher and Nevis, but Saint Kitts and Nevis is used most often.

History

Main articles: History of Saint Kitts and Nevis, British Leeward Islands, Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, and West Indies Federation

See also: British West Indies and French settlement in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Pre-colonial period

The first people to live on Saint Kitts and Nevis arrived around 3000 BCE. They came from Florida. Later, around 100 BCE, a new group called the Saladoid arrived from the Orinoco River area in Venezuela. They brought farming and making pottery.

By about 800 CE, the Igneri people lived on the islands. Around 1300 CE, the Island Caribs arrived. They were skilled sailors and took control of the islands. They named Saint Kitts "Liamuiga," meaning "fertile land," and Nevis "Oualie," meaning "land of beautiful waters."

European arrival and early colonial period (1493–1700)

Christopher Columbus saw the islands in 1493. The English settled in 1623, led by Thomas Warner, and the French settled in 1625 under Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc. Both groups agreed to share the island.

The new settlers had trouble with the local people, and conflict happened. Later, large sugar farms were created using workers brought from Africa. This changed the islands' populations forever.

A Spanish attack in 1629 destroyed the settlements, but they were allowed to return. By 1670, Britain’s claim to Saint Kitts was recognized. The islands became important for British and French growth in the Caribbean. Wars and natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes caused damage during this time.

British colonial period (1700–1983)

By the 1700s, Saint Kitts had become very wealthy due to its sugar farms. The trade of people as goods was ended in 1807, and full freedom came in 1834 after a four-year transition period.

In 1882, Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla were grouped together. In the 1900s, economic troubles led to labor movements and strikes. Political parties formed, and in 1967, the islands became mostly self-governing but still linked to Britain.

Post independence era (1983–present)

Saint Kitts and Nevis became fully independent in 1983. It stayed part of the British Commonwealth, with the British monarch as head of state.

In 1998, a vote on whether Nevis should separate from Saint Kitts did not reach the needed majority. A big hurricane in the same year caused a lot of damage. The sugar industry, which had been struggling, finally closed in 2005.

After the events of September 11, 2001, Saint Kitts and Nevis increased security measures. In 2012, the country was declared free of a certain disease by the World Health Organization.

Different leaders have been in charge since then, with recent elections happening in 2020 and 2022.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a democratic country where the people choose their leaders. It is a special kind of kingdom called a Commonwealth realm, with Charles III as the king. The king is represented by a governor-general, who follows the advice of the prime minister and the Cabinet, the group that helps run the country.

The country has one main group called the National Assembly, with fourteen members. Eleven are chosen by people to represent them, and three are chosen by the governor-general to help with important decisions. All members work together in the National Assembly.

Foreign relations

Further information: Foreign relations of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis gets along well with other countries and is part of groups like the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of American States.

Agreements which impact on financial relationships

Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty 1994

At a meeting, a leader from Saint Kitts and Nevis signed an agreement to help share money fairly with other countries in the Caribbean.

FATCA

In 2014, Saint Kitts and Nevis agreed with the United States to share information about money to follow rules.

Military

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a small defence force that helps keep the country safe and stop illegal activities.

Human rights

See also: LGBT rights in Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 2022, it became okay for men to love each other in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Administrative divisions

The country is divided into fourteen areas called parishes, with nine on Saint Kitts and five on Nevis.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Saint Kitts and Nevis

See also: List of cities and towns in Saint Kitts and Nevis and List of volcanoes in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small country made of two islands in the Caribbean Sea. The larger island is called Saint Kitts, and the smaller one is Nevis. The capital city, Basseterre, is on Saint Kitts and is the main port for ships.

Both islands are volcanic and have green rainforests on their peaks. Most people live near the coasts where the land is flatter. Saint Kitts has several mountains, with Mount Liamuiga being the highest point. Nevis is shaped like a circle and has Nevis Peak. The country has many rivers that give fresh water.

Flora and fauna

The national flower is Delonix regia. Common plants include palmetto, hibiscus, bougainvillea, and tamarind. The national bird is the brown pelican, and many other birds live on the islands.

Climate

Saint Kitts has a tropical savanna climate, while Nevis has a tropical monsoon climate. Temperatures stay warm all year, between about 24 °C and 27 °C. The islands get a lot of rain, usually around 2,400 millimetres each year.

National parks

Saint Kitts and Nevis has two national parks. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Central Forest Reserve National Park was created in 2007.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population

Saint Kitts and Nevis has about 53,000 people. The number of people has not changed much for many years. Most people live on the island of Saint Kitts, especially in the town of Basseterre. Other busy places include Cayon, Sandy Point Town, Gingerland, and Charlestown.

Racial and ethnic groups

Most people in Saint Kitts and Nevis have Afro-Caribbean roots. There are also smaller groups of European and Indian people.

Emigration

Many people from Saint Kitts and Nevis have moved to other countries. The United States is a popular place for them to go.

Languages

The main language is English. Many people also speak Saint Kitts Creole.

Religion

Most people in Saint Kitts and Nevis are Christian. There are many groups such as Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist. There are also small groups of people who follow Hinduism, Islam, and other beliefs.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Saint Kitts and Nevis

See also: Music of Saint Kitts and Nevis, J'ouvert, and Saint Kitts Creole

Saint Kitts and Nevis has many musical celebrations. The biggest is Carnival, held from December 18th to January 3rd on Saint Kitts. In June, the St Kitts Music Festival takes place, and in July and August, Nevis hosts Culturama. These events include parades, dances, and music such as salsa, jazz, soca, calypso, and steelpan.

Cricket is very popular. Rugby and netball are also enjoyed. The national football team is called the "Sugar Boyz". The country's most famous athlete is Kim Collins, who has won gold medals in the 100 metres.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis have a small economy. It is based mainly on tourism, farming, and light manufacturing. In the past, sugar was the biggest export, but it is now less important. The government is working to grow other parts of the economy. Today, the country focuses on tourism, farming different crops, making products for export, and banking services.

Tourism

Tourism is very important to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Many people visit the islands, especially since the 1970s. The number of visitors grew a lot between 2007 and 2009. It went down during a big financial problem worldwide and then started to grow again slowly.

Transport

Further information: Transport in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has two airports where international flights land. The bigger airport is on Saint Kitts and connects to places outside the Caribbean, in North America, and Europe. The other airport is on Nevis and has flights to other Caribbean islands.

The St Kitts Scenic Railway is the last train that still runs in the Lesser Antilles.

Economic citizenship by investment

See also: Saint Kitts and Nevis passport

Saint Kitts and Nevis lets people from other countries become citizens by investing in the country. This programme started in 1984 and is the oldest of its kind in the world. It became more well-known in 2006 when a company helped change the programme.

People can become citizens by investing in approved real estate, donating to the government, or donating to approved public projects. The government says this gives people lifetime citizenship that they can pass to their families. Applicants must go through checks before they can invest.

The official website lists these ways to invest:

• An investment in approved real estate worth at least US$400,000, plus fees.
• A donation of at least US$250,000 to the government or an approved public project, plus fees.

The donation option includes all government fees but not the same due diligence fees as the real estate option.

Education

See also: List of schools in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has eight public high schools and some private secondary schools. Children must go to school from age 5 to age 16.

Notable people

Saint Kitts and Nevis has been home to many well-known individuals. Alexander Hamilton, born around 1755 or 1757, was an important leader and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. John Gorrie, born on Nevis, helped create machines that could keep food cold.

Other notable people include Kim Collins, a fast runner from Saint Kitts who won a world championship in 2003, and Mel B, a famous singer from the Spice Girls.