People and Society of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Nationality

Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

Ethnic Groups

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 7%

Population

103,698

Population in Major Urban Areas

KINGSTOWN (capital) 31,000

Medical facilities are limited. The main hospital is Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (Telephone (784) 456-1185). This hospital is in the capital, Kingstown, but serious medical problems usually require evacuation to another island or to the United States. There is no hyperbaric chamber; divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated from the island. The closest hyperbaric chamber is located in Barbados. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stands at approximately 72–73 years overall, with women living longer than men on average. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 75–76 years, while male life expectancy falls somewhat lower, at approximately 70–71 years. These figures reflect steady improvements in health outcomes over recent decades, driven by advances in medical care, increased access to healthcare services, and public health initiatives targeting preventable diseases. The country has made notable progress in reducing mortality from communicable diseases, though non-communicable diseases now represent a significant and growing health burden. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are among the leading causes of death in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, mirroring broader trends seen across Caribbean nations. Obesity-related health issues have also drawn increasing attention from public health officials, as lifestyle and dietary changes have contributed to rising rates of chronic illness. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown serves as the primary referral hospital for the nation, supplemented by a network of health centers and clinics distributed across the main island and the Grenadines. The government, in partnership with regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has worked to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and expand access to essential medicines and preventive care. Infant mortality, a key factor influencing life expectancy at birth, has declined significantly over the past several decades, contributing to the overall upward trend in longevity. Improved maternal health services, prenatal care, and childhood vaccination programs have played important roles in this progress. The devastating eruption of La Soufrière volcano in April 2021 posed a significant short-term disruption to health services and displaced a substantial portion of the population, adding strain to the healthcare system during an already challenging period marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic. While life expectancy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines compares reasonably well with other small island developing states in the Eastern Caribbean, challenges remain in addressing health disparities between urban and more remote island communities, particularly in ensuring consistent access to specialist care for residents of the Grenadines.

Infant Mortality Rate

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has made meaningful progress in reducing infant mortality over recent decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare access, maternal health services, and public health infrastructure across the island nation. As of the most recent available data, the infant mortality rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stands at approximately 13 to 15 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a significant decline from rates recorded in previous decades, when infant mortality was considerably higher due to limited access to neonatal care and rural health services. By regional standards, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines performs comparably to several of its Caribbean neighbors, though it still faces challenges that contribute to infant deaths, including preterm birth complications, neonatal infections, and congenital conditions. Access to skilled birth attendants has improved substantially, and the majority of births now take place in clinical settings with trained medical staff present, which has been a key driver in reducing early infant deaths. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown serves as the country's main referral hospital and provides the most advanced neonatal care available on the islands. Rural and outer island communities, including those in the Grenadines, may face logistical challenges in reaching higher levels of care quickly, which can affect outcomes in emergency situations. Government health programs, supported by regional organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization and international partners, have focused on expanding prenatal care, promoting breastfeeding, and educating mothers on infant health practices. Vaccination coverage rates are generally high, helping to prevent infectious diseases that historically contributed to infant deaths. While the overall trend is positive, continued investment in maternal and neonatal health services, particularly in underserved areas, remains important for sustaining and further improving these outcomes. Addressing socioeconomic factors such as poverty, nutrition, and access to clean water also plays a role in the long-term reduction of infant mortality across the country.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over has ever attended school

• Anglican47.0%
• Methodist28.0%
• Roman Catholic13.0%

English, French patois

• English
• French patois

Crime Information

Crimes of all types, including violent crime, occurs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From time to time, property has been stolen from yachts anchored in the Grenadines. Valuables left unattended on beaches are vulnerable to theft. Persons interested in nature walks or hikes in the northern areas of St. Vincent should arrange in advance with a local tour operator for a guide; these areas are isolated and police presence is limited. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States,you may be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating St. Vincent and the Grenadines laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.