Saint Kitts and Nevis

Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 54
Currency
💱 Eastern Caribbean dollar
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 31 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Kittitian or Nevisian
Independence
September 19, 1983 (from the United Kingdom)
Top-Level Domain
.kn
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+1
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Basseterre
ISO Alpha-2
KN
ISO Alpha-3
KNA
UN Code
659
Geographic Coordinates
17.33333333,-62.75
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
261#217 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
54,338#211 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
179.84
Highest Point (m)
1,156 (Mount Liamuiga)
Lowest Point (m)
0 (Caribbean Sea)
Land Use
Agricultural land and forests are the primary land uses.
Irrigated Land
Limited irrigated land; dependent on rainfall.
Coastline Length
Approximately 135 km
Climate
Tropical; humid year-round; average temperature 26°C (79°F)
Natural Resources
Arable land, salt, beaches
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary monarchy
Administrative Divisions
14 parishes: 9 on Saint Kitts and 5 on Nevis.
Chief of State
King Charles III, represented by a Governor-General
Head of Government
Prime Minister Terrance Drew
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held regularly to elect members of the National Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Magistrates' Courts
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party; People's Action Movement; Concerned Citizens' Movement
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Eastern Caribbean dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.18#199 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.73#191 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25,223.03#65 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.29
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
20.85
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
66.16
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.56#78 of 191
Labor Force (people)
The labor force is approximately 28,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment is typically around 5-7%.
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2014)Checked September 29, 2026
57.67
Budget
The budget is primarily driven by tourism revenue and international aid.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports are approximately $40 million USD annually.
Imports (US$ billion)
Imports are approximately $150 million USD annually.
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are sufficient to cover several months of imports.
GDP by Sector
Tourism, services, agriculture, and manufacturing contribute to the GDP.
Major Industries
Tourism, sugar production (historically), agriculture, and manufacturing are major industries.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the United States and the United Kingdom.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy is estimated to be over 98%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is slightly negative, with more people emigrating than immigrating.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 38 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.9#190 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
72.3#133 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is a concern, but rates are relatively low, estimated at around 1%.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.74
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly of African descent, with smaller populations of mixed ethnicity, European, and East Asian descent.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English

Education

Education System
Based on the British system; includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
17.5
Government Education Spending
Spending varies, approximately around 5-7% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of the West Indies Open Campus (Saint Kitts and Nevis site) and Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Mix of African, European, and Caribbean influences; vibrant traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Carnival Day (2026-01-02)
  • Buckley's Uprising Day (2026-01-28)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Labour Day (2026-05-04)
  • Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
  • Emancipation Day (2026-08-03)
  • Culturama Day (2026-08-04)
  • National Heroes' Day (2026-09-16)
  • Independence Day (2026-09-19)
  • Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Soca, Calypso, and Reggae are popular genres.
Traditional Food
Goat water stew, saltfish and Johnny cakes, and conch.
Sports
Cricket, football (soccer), and sailing are popular.
Major Festivals
Carnival, Culturama (Nevis), and Music festivals.
Famous People
Alexander Hamilton (one of the Founding Fathers of the United States) and many successful athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is the primary site.
UNESCO Sites
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Annual Tourist Visits
Varies; tourism is important.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a major industry.
Top Tourist Attractions
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, beaches, rainforests.
Famous Cities
Basseterre.
National Parks
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Protected Areas
Several protected areas, including marine parks.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is moderate, with a mix of public and private facilities.
Medical Cost
Medical costs can vary significantly depending on the service and provider.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and clinics available.
Universal Healthcare
Provides healthcare services with public and private options; details on specific coverage and access vary.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with hospitals and clinics on both islands, though specialized care may require overseas travel.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but response times can vary depending on location.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
911
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
911
Emergency Number (Fire)
911
Crime Rate
Moderate.
Safety Index
Moderate to High.
Military Expenditure
Relatively low.
Emergency Services Overview
911 for all emergencies; Fire, police, and ambulance services available.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Defence Force.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Near 100% access.
Water Access
Near 100% access.
Sanitation Access
Near 100% access.
Railways
A narrow-gauge railway operates on Saint Kitts for tourism.
Roadways
Total: 320 km; Paved: 120 km.
Transportation System
Roads are the primary mode of transport, with bus services available. Ferries connect the islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV)
Ports
Basseterre is the main port; Deep-water harbor.
Public Transit
Limited; Taxis and buses available.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76.88#117 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High.
Tech Startups
Growing, but limited.
Innovation Index
Moderate.
ICT Development Index
Moderate to High.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.88#94 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited, but generally considered good.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly from sewage and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for renewable energy, with some solar and geothermal projects.
Environmental Issues
Water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and coastal degradation are key environmental challenges.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic activity (Mount Liamuiga) pose risks.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; landfill is a primary method, with increasing efforts toward recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and others.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Party to several international treaties including those related to climate change, human rights, and trade.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide.

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