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Saint Kitts and Nevis flag

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Capital:Basseterre
Population:49,898
Currency:East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Language:English

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

The people are very relaxed and easygoing. Liming is a popular term used to describe the easygoing lifestyle where people just relax and socialize.

Cultural Attributes

The people are very relaxed and easygoing. Liming is a popular term used to describe the easygoing lifestyle where people just relax and socialize.

Island Rhythms, Timeless Ease

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Most residents speak an English-baised Creole with some influence from French and West African languages. For example the word "de" is often used instead of the English word "The".

Western style of clothing is worn. People take pride in their clothing and are fashion conscious. Even on the weekends many people will dress up.  Many school children wear uniforms.

Diet

Yams, plantains, rice and peas are staples. Sweet cassava bread is a popular dessert. Soups are also popular. Lime juice is a common seasoning.

Family

Family loyalty is important and in many households more than one generation live together.

Dating Customs

Dating and marriage customs in Saint Kitts and Nevis reflect a blend of African heritage, British colonial influence, and Caribbean social traditions. The two-island federation has a relatively small population of approximately 47,000 people, and close-knit community ties play a significant role in how relationships form and develop.

Romantic relationships often begin within social circles shaped by church communities, neighborhood gatherings, and local festivals such as Carnival, which takes place in late December and early January. These events serve as important venues for socializing and meeting potential partners across both islands.

Marriage in Saint Kitts and Nevis is governed by civil law, and the legal minimum age for marriage is 18, though those aged 15 to 17 may marry with parental consent. Both civil and religious ceremonies are common, with Christian denominations — particularly Anglican, Methodist, and Catholic — playing a central role in many wedding traditions. Church weddings remain widely practiced and are often followed by extended family celebrations featuring local food, music, and dancing.

Common-law unions have historically been prevalent throughout the Caribbean, and Saint Kitts and Nevis is no exception. Many couples cohabit for extended periods before formalizing their relationships through marriage, and common-law partnerships carry social recognition within communities, even when not always formalized legally.

The federation has a relatively progressive legal framework in terms of gender equality within marriage, with laws addressing spousal rights and domestic responsibilities. However, gender-based violence remains a recognized social concern, and local organizations and government agencies have worked to implement awareness programs and legal protections for women and families.

For visitors or expatriates considering marriage on the islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a popular destination wedding location. The government allows non-residents to marry after satisfying a brief residency requirement, typically just two to three working days on the island, along with providing the necessary civil documentation. This accessibility has made the federation a sought-after spot for destination weddings set against its scenic beaches and lush landscapes.

Recreation

Cricket is the national sport. Other sports include soccer and horse racing. Music especially reggae music is a popular form of entertainment.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    9/19

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • September 19th

How do people communicate in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Most residents speak an English-based Creole with some influence from French and West African languages.

Good to know

  • The word "de" is often used instead of the English word "the"

What should I know about food and eating customs in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Staples include yams, plantains, rice and peas, and soups are also popular.

Good to know

  • Sweet cassava bread is a popular dessert
  • Lime juice is a common seasoning

How should I dress in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Western-style clothing is worn, and people take pride in their appearance and are fashion conscious.

Do

  • Consider dressing up, as many people dress up even on weekends

Good to know

  • Many school children wear uniforms

What is family life like in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Family loyalty is important, and in many households more than one generation lives together.

What do people do for recreation in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Cricket is the national sport, and music—especially reggae—is a popular form of entertainment.

Good to know

  • Other popular sports include soccer and horse racing

What should I know about the general attitude in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

People are very relaxed and easygoing.

Good to know

  • "Liming" describes the easygoing lifestyle of relaxing and socializing

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Airports
2
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Honey-Baked Plantain Rolls

Bread

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Columbian Era

    3000 BCE – 1493

    The islands were inhabited by successive Amerindian peoples, culminating in the Kalinago (Carib) who dominated at the time of European contact. These communities sustained themselves through fishing, agriculture, and inter-island trade across the Lesser Antilles. Their population would be rapidly decimated following the arrival of European colonizers in the early 17th century.

  2. Early Colonization

    1493 – 1713

    Christopher Columbus encountered both islands in 1493, naming the larger St. Christopher and the smaller Nevis. English settlers under Thomas Warner established the first British Caribbean colony on St. Kitts in 1623, followed by French settlers in 1624. The two powers held the island jointly until 1713, enduring repeated violent conflicts, including the 1626 massacre of the Kalinago at Bloody Point, while developing sugar-based plantation economies reliant on enslaved African labor.

  3. British Colonial Period

    1713 – 1967

    The Treaty of Utrecht (1713) formally ceded St. Kitts to Britain, consolidating British dominance, though France briefly seized both islands in 1782 before the Treaty of Paris (1783) restored British control. Sugar production drove the colonial economy for two centuries, underpinned by slavery until emancipation in 1834. From 1871 to 1956 the islands formed part of the Leeward Islands colony, then briefly joined the West Indies Federation (1958–1962) before its dissolution.

  4. Associated Statehood

    1967 – 1983

    In 1967, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla together became a self-governing state in free association with Britain, gaining full internal autonomy while Britain retained responsibility for defense and foreign affairs. Anguilla promptly rebelled against governance from St. Kitts, ultimately securing its formal separation in 1971 and remaining a British dependency. This transitional period saw the islands develop their own governmental institutions in preparation for full sovereignty.

  5. Independence & Modern Era

    1983 – present

    The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved full independence on September 19, 1983, becoming one of the smallest sovereign states in the Western Hemisphere. Tensions between the two islands have persisted; a 1998 referendum on Nevisian secession secured a majority but fell short of the required two-thirds threshold. The nation has since diversified its economy away from sugar, which was formally ended as an industry in 2005, toward tourism and offshore financial services.

Overview

At the time of European discovery, Carib Indians inhabited the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. Christopher Columbus landed on the larger island in 1493 on his second voyage and named it after St. Christopher, his patron saint. Columbus also discovered Nevis on his second voyage, reportedly calling it Nevis because of its resemblance to a snowcapped mountain (in Spanish, "nuestra senora de las nieves" or our lady of the snows). European colonization did not begin until 1623-24, when first English, then French colonists arrived on St. Christopher’s Island, whose name the English shortened to St. Kitt’s Island. As the first English colony in the Caribbean, St. Kitts served as a base for further colonization in the region.

The English and French held St. Kitts jointly from 1628 to1713. During the 17th century, intermittent warfare between French and English settlers ravaged the island’s economy. Meanwhile Nevis, settled by English settlers in 1628, grew prosperous under English rule. St. Kitts was ceded to Great Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The French seized both St. Kitts and Nevis in 1782.

The Treaty of Paris in 1783 definitively awarded both islands to Britain. They were part of the colony of the Leeward Islands from 1871-1956, and of the West Indies Federation from 1958-62. In 1967, together with Anguilla, they became a self-governing state in association with Great Britain; Anguilla seceded late that year and remains a British dependency. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis attained full independence on September 19, 1983.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1493

    Christopher Columbus lands on the islands and names St Kitts after his patron saint, Christopher.

    Christopher Columbus lands on the islands and names St Kitts after his patron saint, Christopher.

  2. 1623

    The British establish their first Caribbean colony on St Kitts.

    The British establish their first Caribbean colony on St Kitts.

  3. 1783

    France relinquishes claims on St Kitts in the Treaty of Versailles.

    France relinquishes claims on St Kitts in the Treaty of Versailles.

  4. 1871

    St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla united as a British dependency.

    St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla united as a British dependency.

  5. 1967

    Becomes an internally self-governing member of the West Indies Associated States.

    St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla become an internally self-governing member of the West Indies Associated States with Labor Party leader Robert Bradshaw as prime minister.

  6. 1983

    St Kitts and Nevis jointly attain independence within the British Commonwealth.

    St Kitts and Nevis jointly attain independence within the British Commonwealth with Kennedy Simmonds as prime minister.

  7. 1993

    Anti-government demonstrations take place following an inconclusive general election.

    Anti-government demonstrations take place following an inconclusive general election.

View full timeline (9 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The island of St Kitts is also known as St Christopher

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
volcanic with mountainous interiors
Climate
tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Natural Hazards
hurricanes (July to October)
Current Environmental Issues
NA
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English

  • English

Population

Population
49,898
Population in Major Urban Areas
BASSETERRE (capital) 12,000
Nationality Noun
Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)
Ethnic Groups
predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over has ever attended school
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
SaintKittsandNevis
Full Country Name
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Former Name
Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament
Legal System
based on English common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022), represented by Governor General Marcella LIBURD (since 1 January 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022) and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey HANLEY (since 6 August 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly consisting of 14 seats, with 3 members appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms. Elections: Last held on August 5, 2022 (next to be held by 2027). Election results: Seats by party — SKNLP 6, PLP 3, PAM 1, CCM 1; percent of vote by party — NA%. The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, retained power following the election.
Judicial Branch
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court resides in Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
19-Sep-83
Independence
19 September 1983 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Capital City

Capital Name
Basseterre
Capital - geographic coordinate
17 18 N, 62 43 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the French name translates as "low land" in English; the reference is to the city's low-lying location within a valley, as well as to the fact that the city is on the leeward (downwind) part of the island, and is thus a safe anchorage

Military

Branches: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Immigration, and Social Security: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown

Wildey Business Park

Wildey

St. Michael, Barbados

Telephone: (246) 227-4399

Emergency after-hours telephone: (246) 227-4000

Facsimile: (246) 431-0179

Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Barbadian and U.S. holidays.

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Economy

Sugar was the traditional backbone of the Saint Kitts and Nevis economy for centuries, but the state-owned sugar industry was shut down in 2005 after decades of losses. Since then, the country has successfully diversified its economy, with tourism, financial services, and light manufacturing emerging as the primary drivers of growth. Tourism is now the leading source of foreign exchange, supported by cruise arrivals, stopover visitors, and a growing luxury resort sector that includes properties such as the Park Hyatt and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, established in 1984 and among the oldest in the world, has become a major revenue stream for the government, helping to finance public investment and reduce national debt. Agriculture now plays a minor role, focused on small-scale production of vegetables, tropical fruits, and livestock for local consumption.

The economy is highly dependent on external conditions and proved vulnerable to global shocks, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp contraction in 2020 due to the collapse in tourism. Recovery has since been steady, supported by rebounding visitor numbers and strong CBI inflows. The government continues to pursue initiatives aimed at renewable energy development, climate resilience, and positioning Saint Kitts and Nevis as the world's first sustainable island state.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-1.9%

Banknotes

Saint Kitts and Nevis Money - Front
Saint Kitts and Nevis Money - Front
Saint Kitts and Nevis Money - Back
Saint Kitts and Nevis Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$128,200,000 (USD)
External Debt
$171,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$8,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
NA
Industries
sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages
Agriculture Products
sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish
Export Commodities
machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco
Export Partners
US 65.7%, Canada 7.1%, UK 7.1%, Portugal 5.7%
Import Commodities
machinery, manufactures, food, fuels
Import Partners
US 39%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.4%, Canada 9.2%, UK 6.7%, Denmark 6.2%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
700 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: good interisland and international connections domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable; construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in November 2004; fixed-line teledensity about 40 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 170 per 100 persons international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables
Internet Country Code
.kn

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is approximately 49,898.
How do people communicate in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Most residents speak an English-based Creole with some influence from French and West African languages. The word "de" is often used instead of the English word "the"
What should I know about food and eating customs in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Staples include yams, plantains, rice and peas, and soups are also popular. Sweet cassava bread is a popular dessert Lime juice is a common seasoning
How should I dress in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Western-style clothing is worn, and people take pride in their appearance and are fashion conscious. Do: Consider dressing up, as many people dress up even on weekends Many school children wear uniforms
What is family life like in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Family loyalty is important, and in many households more than one generation lives together.
What do people do for recreation in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Cricket is the national sport, and music—especially reggae—is a popular form of entertainment. Other popular sports include soccer and horse racing
What should I know about the general attitude in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
People are very relaxed and easygoing. "Liming" describes the easygoing lifestyle of relaxing and socializing
What is the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Basseterre is the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located on the southwestern coast of Saint Kitts. It is the country's main commercial and administrative hub, home to the majority of the federation's government institutions. The city reflects a blend of colonial-era architecture and Caribbean character, with its central landmark, Independence Square, serving as a focal point of civic and cultural life.
Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis located?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island federation situated in the Caribbean Sea, in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles island chain in the Eastern Caribbean. It lies southeast of Puerto Rico and northwest of Antigua. The larger island, Saint Kitts — also historically known as Saint Christopher — and the smaller island of Nevis are separated by a shallow strait called The Narrows, roughly 3 kilometres wide.
What religion is practiced in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Anglican Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 50 percent of the population. A further 25 percent identify with other Christian denominations, including Methodist, Roman Catholic, and Pentecostal communities. The remaining 25 percent follow other faiths or no religion. Christianity has been deeply embedded in the islands' social and cultural fabric since the British colonial period beginning in the seventeenth century.
What currency is used in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The official currency of Saint Kitts and Nevis is the East Caribbean Dollar, with the ISO code XCD. It is issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and is shared by eight other Caribbean nations and territories, providing monetary stability across the region. The East Caribbean Dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate since 1976, making it one of the more stable currencies in the Caribbean.
What language is spoken in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
English is the official and predominant language of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a legacy of British colonial rule dating back to 1623. It is used in government, education, media, and everyday commerce. Many residents also speak a local Creole dialect that blends English with West African linguistic influences, reflecting the islands' history of African heritage brought through the transatlantic slave trade.
What is the geography of Saint Kitts and Nevis like?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small two-island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, characterised by volcanic peaks, lush rainforest interiors, and narrow coastal plains. Saint Kitts is dominated by Mount Liamuiga, a dormant stratovolcano rising to approximately 1,156 metres, while Nevis is similarly defined by Nevis Peak, which is often shrouded in cloud. The combined terrain transitions from fertile lowlands historically used for sugar cultivation to rugged, forested highlands.
What is Saint Kitts and Nevis known for?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for its sugar cane heritage — sugar was the economic backbone of the islands for over three centuries before the industry closed in 2005 — and for the well-preserved Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of British colonial military architecture in the Americas. The islands are also recognised for their Carnival celebrations and the laid-back social custom known as liming, a deeply ingrained cultural practice of relaxed socialising that defines daily life.
What is the political history of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved full independence on 19 September 1983, having been a British colonial territory first settled in 1623 — making Saint Kitts the oldest British colony in the Caribbean. The federation operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. The smaller island of Nevis holds a degree of autonomy through its own island assembly, and a 1998 referendum on Nevisian secession narrowly failed to reach the required two-thirds majority; calls for separation have since persisted.

Last reviewed 2026

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