Saint Kitts and Nevis

(Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis)

General Information:

Location: Eastern Caribbean Sea (West Indies)
Capital: Basseterre
Language(s): English, Spanish
Total Area: 261 sq km
Population: 52,441
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Curious Alcohol Fact: Rum is by far the most popular drink.
Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: 9.43 liters
Most Popular Drink(s): Rum, fruit juice

Saint Kitts & Nevis Travel Video

Video Courtesy: Caribbeandreams1

The Country

Located in the eastern portion of the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is an archipelago of two islands and these are named Saint Kitts and Nevis. At other times, Saint Kitts can also be referred to as Saint Christopher. Both islands are part of the Leeward Islands. A former colony of the United Kingdom, it was not until 1983 that Saint Kitts and Nevis became an independent nation. On Nevis, the major settlement is Charlestown but the capital city for the islands is Basseterre and is located on Saint Christopher.

The People

Blacks with descendants from several West African nations form the largest single ethnic group in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Blacks, who form over 85% of the population in Saint Kitts and Nevis had their ancestors brought from Africa to work on the vast sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Other ethnolinguistic groups include those with roots in Europe and East Indies. For a nation once colonized by the British, it is understandable when one learns that the official language is English which is widely understood and spoken. As for the religious aspect, Christianity is the major religion in Saint Kitts and Nevis with the Methodists, Anglicans and followers of the Roman Catholic Church being the largest denominations. Many of the islanders are into agriculture, tourism (especially ecotourism) and manufacturing.

Eating and Drinking

When it comes to wining and dining in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a choice destination. From fabulous seafood to fantastic goat water stew, you will keep smacking your lips. There is also the irresistible pelau made from chicken, fish and vegetables.
Sports and Recreation
Cricket is the most popular sport while football and billiards are also enjoyed. If you happen to visit any of the coastal communities, you will surely be tempted to scuba dive or go snorkeling in some of the clearest waters on the planet. There is also the week-long St. Kitts Music Festival, which you will find tantalizing. There is also the fabulous Carnival organized towards the end of the year.

Interesting Facts

Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the smallest countries in the Commonwealth.
In the Western Hemisphere, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest independent nation.
The tallest mountain in the nation was once called Mount Misery.
Queen Elizabeth II of England is the head of state.
Saint Kitts was named by Christopher Columbus after his patron saint, Saint Christopher.
The name ‘Nevis’ is said to have been derived from the snowy clouds on the island.
The islands are volcanic in nature.
Saint Kitts was the first territory of the United Kingdom in the West Indies.
Oualie, which means ‘the place of the beautiful waters’ is the indigenous name of Nevis.

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Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).