Officially known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, this island country can be found in the West Indies, more specifically, in the Leeward Islands, which are part of the chain of the Lesser Antilles.
It is also known as Saint Kitts and Nevis, and its capital city is Basseterre. This country is considered as the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, in terms of population and size.
Continue reading and discover all these amazing facts about Saint Kitts & Nevis.
Saint Kitts & Nevis Facts
1. Saint Kitts & Nevis’ history is very interesting
Back in 1493, what is now known as Saint Kitts & Nevis, were very different islands. There, the Carib people were living, until Christopher Columbus decided to explore the island, and they slowly started to disappear.
This island country forms part of the Commonwealth, so it is a British Overseas Territory. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II.
It is also referred to as The Mother Colony of the West Indies, because it was the first home for the European settlers, back in 1620, a fun fact about Saint Kitts & Nevis.
During that time, most European settlers were there negotiating the release and the selling of slaves throughout the continent.
People from Britain and France decided to stay on this Caribbean island in order to explore it. Many years have now passed, but the descendants of those who settled first are still living on the island.
However, the island decided to gain independence from Britain in 1983, and even though they achieved it, it can be argued that it was only done partially, as they still remain part of the Commonwealth.
2. The island country is surrounded by more islands
To the northwest of Saint Kitts & Nevis, you can find several islands, such as Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthelemy, Saba, Sint Maarten/Saint Marting and Anguilla.
To the northeast and east of the island, you can find Antigua and Barbuda. And lastly, to the southeast, you can find a small uninhabited island called Redonda, which forms part of Antigua and Barbuda.
There is also a smaller island located to the east of Saint Kitts & Nevis, and is called Montserrat.
All these islands are very alike, because many thousands of years ago they all belonged together. However, each one of them has their own unique way of seeing and living life.
3. Tourists love to visit Saint Kitts & Nevis
Each year many tourists decide to go on holiday to this Caribbean island. Most of them agree that Saint Kitts & Nevis is nothing like they have ever seen before, mainly because of the clean and crystal clear water.
An interesting fact about Saint Kitts & Nevis is that tourist industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of its economy, because most of the population work in the industry.
In addition, the capital city of Basseterre is where the only port and terminal of the island is located.
4. There are volcanos in the islands
Even though both Saint Kitts and Nevis are surrounded by volcanoes, they still have sandy beaches and a wet climate. It doesn’t rain as much as other nearby islands, though.
Also, there is an important volcano chain that goes through both islands, and there are even mountains that can reach up to 1,500 meters above sea level.
In addition, if you ever visit Saint Kitts & Nieves, you will be able to choose from black volcanic beaches or white volcanic beaches. And both of them are truly beautiful!
However, Saint Kitts & Nevis are prone to hurricanes, even though most of the year they have lovely tropical weather with lots of sun.
5. The inhabitants of the islands love to gather and share some exotic food
In fact, people from Saint Kitts & Nevis are known for getting together and celebrate whatever they possibly can.
One of their famous dishes is called Goat Water, which is a stew made from the neck, bones, and rest of the goats’ meat, a fun fact about Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Usually, Goat water can be eaten in any celebration, but nowadays people are saving it up for weddings or any other social gathering that are very important.
6. Saint Kitts & Nevis is a modern island and country
Many people tend to think that, because Saint Kitts & Nevis isn’t as famous as other nearby islands, the inhabitants there must live in really old houses and they must lack many things.
In reality, things are very different. The islands have become very developed in recent years, especially since they decided to focus on their tourism industry. In fact, each week, the islands welcome large cruise ships that usually come from Europe.
Also, the government has decided to help many new hotels and shops who are trying to open up in the islands. So, you can expect a very touristy place, just like any other island.
If you would like to have a real feel of the Caribbean, then try to go to the less- touristy areas of Saint Kitts & Nevis.
7. The island’s government is trying to diversify its economy
This is why nowadays Saint Kitts & Nevis are exporting sugar, lobster, tobacco, beer, margarine and even goats’ milk and cheese!
The government has decided to try to lessen the gap between the island’s agriculture revenue and the tourism industry, an interesting Saint Kitts and Nevis fact.
The island also produces high-quality rum that is famous worldwide.
Conclusion
People from Saint Kitts & Nevis are known for being very friendly and open-minded. And they must be this way, because in that small island many cultures, religions, and languages are living in close proximity to one another.
These two islands form part of the Caribbean, and, as such, their houses and town centers are very colorful. In addition, many governmental buildings, despite being from the colonial era, have been restored and painted in order to color coordinate with the whole island.
Saint Kitts & Nevis is a beautiful place that offers tourists great opportunities to explore its territory. From hiking to kayaking, to guided tours through the volcanoes and mountains, these islands have everything they need in order to welcome people from all over the world.
I hope that this article on Saint Kitts & Nevis facts was helpful! If you are interested, visit the Country Facts Page!
