Country Summary
Introduction
Background
Carib Indians occupied the islands of the West Indies for hundreds of years before the British and French began settlement in 1623. At one time united with Anguilla, the islands achieved independence in 1983 as Saint Kitts and Nevis but remain a UK Commonwealth realm.
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
54,488 (2022 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
0.61% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Basseterre
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Samuel W.T. SEATON (since 2 September 2015); note - SEATON was Acting Governor General from 20 May to 2 September 2015
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey HANLEY (since 13 August 2022)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral National Assembly (14 or 15 seats, depending on inclusion of attorney general; 11 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 3 appointed by the governor general - 2 on the advice of the prime minister and the third on the advice of the opposition leader; members serve 5-year terms)
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)
$1.24 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$23,300 (2020 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
$610 million (2018 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
$590 million (2018 est.)
Imports - partners
United States 59%, Peru 6%, Germany 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, jewelry, ships, cars, poultry meats, cement (2019)
Exchange rates
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Page last updated: Monday, September 12, 2022
