St. Kitts and Nevis - General Facts and Information

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GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

With coastlines shaped like a baseball bat and ball, the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are a popular Eastern Caribbean leisure travel destination, with beautiful beaches, a rich culture and other offerings to attract visitors worldwide.

Of volcanic origin, the islands are geographically within the Leeward Islands, but relatively close to a cluster of several other islands. To the north-north west lie the islands of Saint Eustatius, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Martin. To the north-east lie Antigua and Barbuda, and to the south-east lies Montserrat.

The two islands are separated by a three km wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball batshaped Saint Kitts, lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island. Nevis is approximately 3 km from St. Kitts.

There are numerous rivers descending from the mountains of both islands and St. Kitts has a small lake called Lake Alden which is named after its founder. St. Kitts is 69 square miles with its highest point being Mount Liamuiga at 1156m while Mount Nevis is the highest peak on Nevis.

OUR GOVERNMENT

The country is an independent Commonwealth Realm, with Queen Elizabeth II being the Head of State, represented by a Governor General, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the cabinet.

The nation is governed under a parliamentary system, with legislative power vested in the unicameral House of Assembly, consisting of the speaker, three senators, and 11 elected members from each of eleven constituencies for up to fi ve years terms. The Cabinet, collectively responsible to the Assembly, consists of the Prime Minister (who must be able to command the support of a legislative majority), the Attorney General (ex offi cio), and other ministers.

OUR PEOPLE

The 2006 estimated population figures are: St. Kitts(37,942) and Nevis(12,048).

English is the official language, but a local dialect is also spoken.

Most of the population is of African descent but there are also small numbers of Europeans and south Asians, and a community of Lebanese.

CLIMATE

St. Kitts and Nevis experience a tropical climate tempered by constant sea breezes. Temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) to 32°C (89°F) all year long. Rainfall is common between May and November, averaging 109 cm (43 in) a year, while the summer months are characterized with high humidity.

CURRENCY

The official currency of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. However, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted by most stores and businesses, but US coins are not. Change is usually given in E.C. currency.

Flora and Fauna

There is a remarkable range of unspoiled ecosystems on both islands, from coral reefs to lush, dense rainforests. The upper slopes of Mount Nevis are well wooded with coconut palms and palmettos. Lemon trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, and tamarind are common on both islands as well as the sandbox and turpentine trees. Wild orchids, candlewoods, tree ferns and fl amboyant can all be found on both islands.

St. Kitts is home to the green vervet monkey and the mongoose, as well as some wild deers. The anole is the most common lizard and frogs, bats and butterfl ies and others can also be found. Birds include plovers, stilts, oystercatchers, pelicans, frigates, bananaquits and hummingbirds.

In terms of marine life, the variety includes the squirrel fi sh, lobsters and the barracuda, as well as a colourful coral and purple sea anemones and yellow sea fans. There is also the occasional shark, sting rays and lizardfi sh.

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