Country Profile: Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in both area and population in the Western Hemisphere, is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are characterized by their volcanic terrain and tropical climate, which fosters rich biodiversity and agriculture. With a population estimated at over 55,000, the economy is primarily driven by tourism and offshore financial services, while governance operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

Geography

Saint Kitts and Nevis is situated approximately one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago, consisting of two volcanic islands separated by a narrow channel known as The Narrows. The total land area is 261 square kilometers, with the highest point reaching 1,156 meters at Mount Liamuiga. The islands experience a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season from May to November.

• 261 sq km: Total area of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• 135 km: Total coastline
• 12 nm: Territorial sea limit
• 42.3%: Percentage of forested land (2022 estimate)
• 3 km: Width of The Narrows separating the islands

People and Society

The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is approximately 55,133, predominantly of African descent, with a rich tapestry of cultural identities. English is the official language, and the society is largely Protestant, with a significant portion practicing various denominations. Urban areas are primarily located at the periphery of the islands, with the capital, Basseterre, being a central hub.

• 77.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
• 19.2%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate)
• 38.6 years: Median age (2024 estimate)
• 11.8 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 estimate)
• 8.8%: Percentage of the population identifying as having no religion (2011 estimate)

Economy

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a high-income economy based largely on tourism, seamlessly complemented by offshore finance and telecommunications. The country has demonstrated resilience in its economic performance, with a notable GDP per capita of around $31,300 in 2024. Agriculture also plays a role, with products like coconuts and tropical fruits contributing to the economy, although services dominate the sector composition.

• $1.465 billion: Estimated GDP (2024)
• 65.5%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 estimate)
• 1.3%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024 estimate)
• 3.4%: Share of remittances in GDP (2024 estimate)
• $642.934 million: Imports (2024 estimate)

Government

The governance of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federal parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy, with a recognized independence from the UK since September 19, 1983. The political system allows for a diverse array of parties, and the National Assembly is unicameral, comprising 16 seats. The country has a structured legal system based on English common law.

• 18 years: Minimum voting age
• 16: Total number of seats in the National Assembly
• 31.3%: Percentage of women in legislative seats (2022)
• Dr. Terrance Drew: Serving as Prime Minister since August 2022
• Governor General: Represents the King of the UK

Military and Security

Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains a modest military force known as the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF), which includes a Regular Force and a Coast Guard. The estimated personnel strength is around 200, with responsibilities ranging from territorial defense to disaster relief. There is no conscription, with voluntary service available from age 18.

• 200: Estimated active personnel in the military (2024)
• 18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service
• SKNDF: Engaged in regional security through the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS)
• Lightly armed: Military equipment primarily from Belgium, the UK, and the US

Energy

Saint Kitts and Nevis boasts complete electricity access for its population, with a generation capacity largely reliant on fossil fuels. In recent years, there has been a slight shift towards renewable sources, such as solar and wind, yet fossil fuels still dominate energy production.

• 100%: Electrification rate (2022 estimate)
• 72,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 estimate)
• 95%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity (2023 estimate)
• 182.455 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)

Environment

The islands face several environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion, which threaten marine life. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity.

• 20 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 estimate)
• 32,892 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2015 estimate)
• 8.05 micrograms: Particulate matter emissions per cubic meter of air (2019 estimate)

Transportation

Saint Kitts and Nevis is equipped with a basic transportation network including two airports and several ports. The islands' rail system is primarily for tourism. Air travel is essential for intra-regional connectivity.

• 2: Total airports (projected for 2025)
• 341: Total merchant ships (2023 estimate)
• 50 km: Length of railway (2008)
• 2: Ports with oil terminals (2024)

Communications

Telecommunications in Saint Kitts and Nevis are well-developed, with a high number of mobile and internet subscriptions relative to the population. The country has a mix of state-operated and private broadcasters.

• 76%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2022 estimate)
• 56,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 estimate)
• 22,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,133	Estimated for 2024
Total Area	261 sq km
GDP	$1.465 billion	Purchasing power parity (2024 estimate)
Energy Consumption	81.454 million Btu/person	Per capita (2023 estimate)
Birth Rate	11.8 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	Not specified
Life Expectancy	77.6 years	Estimated for 2024