Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Terrain: volcanic, mountainous
Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Highest Point: 1234 — Soufriere 1,234 m
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Natural Resources: Hydropower, fertile cropland, and fish. The country's volcanic terrain supports small-scale agriculture, with bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot among the key crops cultivated on limited but productive arable land. Freshwater resources feed modest hydroelectric installations that contribute to domestic energy generation, supplementing the island's growing interest in geothermal and other renewable energy development. Marine resources in the surrounding Caribbean waters also support local fishing industries and offer potential for sustainable aquaculture expansion.
Natural Hazards: hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Current Environmental Issues: pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Detailed geography