Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is a two-island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. The capital city and largest town is Basseterre, located on the island of Saint Kitts.

The country has a population of approximately 55,000 people and is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The official language is English, and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. The islands are known for their natural beauty, including white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning mountain vistas. The islands are also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is largely based on tourism, with a significant portion of the country's GDP coming from the sector. The country also has a growing financial services sector, which includes offshore banking and investment management. The government has implemented a number of policies to encourage foreign investment and has established a number of economic citizenship programs to attract high net worth individuals to the country.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a parliamentary democracy with a Westminster-style system of government. The head of state is the British monarch, currently represented by the Governor-General. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Governor-General from the majority party in the National Assembly. The National Assembly is composed of 14 elected members and 3 appointed members, and is responsible for passing laws and overseeing the work of the government.

Telephone Code
869

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

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

Currency (Code)
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): D, G

Major Languages
English

Major Religions
Protestant 74.4%, Roman Catholic 6.7%, Rastafarian 1.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water outside the cities

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park; National Museum; Alexander Hamilton House; Mount Liamuiga Volcano; Clay Villa Plantation House & Gardens; Timothy Hill Overlook; Romney Manor

Major Sports
Cricket, rugby, netball, soccer, cue sports

Cultural Practices
Avoid wearing shorts except on the beach. Professional, modest attire is expected in a business setting.

Tipping Guidelines
Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge of 10% to cover tipping. If not, add a tip of 10-15% of the total bill.

Souvenirs
Conch-shell and coconut-shell decorative items, leather goods, batik fabric, jewelry, pottery and glass art

Traditional Cuisine
Stewed saltfish with spicy plantains and coconut dumplings

Geography
Area
total: 261 sq km
land: 261 sq km
water: 0 sq km

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

Natural resources
arable land

People and Society
Population
54,817 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
African descent 92.5%, mixed 3%, White 2.1%, East Indian 1.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2001 est.)

Languages
English (official)

Religions
Protestant 75.6% (includes Anglican 16.6%, Methodist 15.8%, Pentecostal 10.8%, Church of God 7.4%, Baptist 5.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Wesleyan Holiness 5.3%, Moravian 4.8%, Evangelical 2.1%, Brethren 1.7%, Presbyterian 0.3%), Roman Catholic 5.9%, Hindu 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other 5%, none 8.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
0.59% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Capital
name: Basseterre

Economy
Economic overview
high-income, tourism-based Caribbean island economy; better debt balancing; CARICOM member; growing offshore financial hub; environmentally fragile; unique citizenship-driven growth model; increased telecommunications focus

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.261 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$26,500 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
coconuts, tropical fruit, roots/tubers, vegetables, sweet potatoes, pulses, watermelons, carrots/turnips, eggs, tomatoes

Industries
tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Exports
$408.471 million (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 69%, Germany 8%, Italy 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
low-voltage protection equipment, broadcasting equipment, measuring instruments, electric motor parts, electrical transformers (2019)

Imports
$441.192 million (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 59%, Peru 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, jewelry, ships, cars, poultry meats, cement (2019)