Country Profile: Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, comprises two volcanic islands in the Caribbean Sea. With a population of approximately 55,434, the nation exhibits a rich cultural heritage predominantly of African descent, complemented by a growing tourism-based economy. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy of the UK, it has a unique blend of historical influences and modern governance. The islands are known for their scenic landscapes, with Mount Liamuiga being the highest peak at 1,156 meters.

Geography

Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the Caribbean, approximately one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago, encompassing a total area of 261 square kilometers. The terrain is predominantly volcanic with mountainous interiors, and both islands are separated by The Narrows, a 3-km-wide channel. The climate is tropical, characterized by constant sea breezes and a rainy season from May to November.

• 135 km of coastline
• 0 km land boundaries, as they are surrounded by the sea
• 42.3% of land is forested (2023 est.)
• 23.1% of agricultural land is utilized for farming (2023 est.)
• 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.

People and Society

The estimated population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is around 55,434 (2025). The majority of the population is of African descent, with English as the official language. The country has a young demographic with a median age of 39.1 years and a health system providing a life expectancy at birth of 77.6 years.

• 31.1% of the population resides in urban areas (2023)
• 11.58 births per 1,000 people (2025 est.)
• 7.43 deaths per 1,000 people (2025 est.)
• 1.76 children born per woman (2025 est.)
• 76% internet usage among the population (2022 est.)

Economy

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is classified as high-income and is primarily tourism-based. The country has shown significant GDP growth rates, reaching $1.465 billion (2024 est.) with a real GDP per capita of $31,300. Tourism, along with offshore financial services, drives much of the economic activity.

• 4.3% GDP growth in 2023
• 3.6% inflation rate (2023 est.)
• 1.3% contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.)
• 65.5% of GDP derived from the services sector (2024 est.)
• 3.4% remittances as a share of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The country gained independence from the UK on September 19, 1983, and its governance includes a Chief of State, currently King Charles III, and a Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew.

• Total of 16 seats in the National Assembly
• 31.3% of women in legislative positions
• 18 years is the universal voting age
• Next elections are set for October 2027
• Legal system based on English common law

Military and Security

The military, known as the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF), consists of approximately 200 active personnel. It includes a regular force, coast guard, and a reserve unit, primarily tasked with protecting national integrity and assisting in security operations.

• 95% of military equipment is sourced from Belgium, the UK, and the US
• No conscription is practiced; service is voluntary from age 18
• Military missions include disaster relief and combating drug-related crimes
• Member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (established in 1984)

Energy

Saint Kitts and Nevis boasts a complete electrification rate of 100%, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The installed generating capacity stands at 72,000 kW.

• 182.455 million kWh of electricity consumed in 2023
• 39.522 million kWh of electricity losses in transmission/distribution (2023 est.)
• 2.3% of installed capacity from solar energy (2023 est.)
• 2,000 barrels/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

The islands face several environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution affecting marine ecosystems. Saint Kitts and Nevis participates in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change.

• 24 million cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022 est.)
• 32,900 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
• 269,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
• 8 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Transportation

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a modest transport infrastructure, featuring two airports and a limited railway system. The merchant marine fleet comprises 341 vessels as of 2023.

• 2 airports serve the islands (2025 est.)
• 1 heliport available (2025 est.)
• 50 km railway line for tourist purposes (2008)
• 2 ports with oil terminals for shipping operations (2024 est.)

Communications

The communication sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis is expanding, with a high subscription rate for mobile cellular services. The percentage of internet users reflects a significant portion of the populace.

• 56,600 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 22,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
• 76% of the population has internet access (2022)
• 16,000 fixed telephone subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,434 (2025 est.)	Estimated total population
Area	261 sq km	Total land area
Real GDP	$1.465 billion (2024)	GDP at purchasing power parity
GDP per capita	$31,300 (2024)	GDP per capita at purchasing power parity
Electricity access	100%	Total electrification rate
Birth rate	11.58 births/1,000	Annual birth rate (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	Not specified	No data available for unemployment
Life expectancy	77.6 years (2024)	Life expectancy at birth
Total fertility rate	1.76 children/woman	Total fertility rate (2025 est.)
Net migration rate	1.14 migrant(s)/1,000	Annual net migration rate (2025 est.)