Country Profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its lush volcanic terrain and vibrant agricultural economy. With a population estimated at 100,647 in 2024, the country has a rich history of colonization and agriculture, which has shaped its economic landscape primarily around agriculture and tourism. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, it gained independence from the UK in 1979 and continues to navigate challenges related to its economy and natural hazards.

Geography

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is situated in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago, with a total land area of 389 square kilometers, making it roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C. The climate is tropical with little seasonal variation, and the terrain is predominantly volcanic and mountainous, highlighted by the La Soufrière volcano, which poses a constant threat of eruption. The islands boast a coastline measuring 84 kilometers and include 32 islands and cays, with most of the population concentrated around the capital, Kingstown.

389 sq km: Total area, includes both land and water surfaces.
84 km: Length of the coastline.
1,234 m: Highest point at La Soufrière volcano.
73.2%: Percentage of forested land (2023 est.).
17.9%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
10 sq km: Irrigated land (2012).
0 km: Total land boundaries.

People and Society

The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is approximately 100,647 as of 2024, with a diverse demographic primarily of African descent. The official language is English, accompanied by Vincentian Creole and French Patois. The country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its colonial past and a predominant Protestant religious affiliation. Urbanization is notable, with over half of the population residing in urban areas, primarily Kingstown.

54.3%: Urban population (2023).
38.1 years: Median age (2025 est.).
11.72 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
77.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
23.7%: Adult obesity prevalence rate (2016).
90.2%: Access to improved sanitation facilities.

Economy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an upper middle-income economy primarily reliant on agriculture and tourism. The nation is diversifying its economic activities into services, science, and creative industries as part of an effort to improve resilience against environmental vulnerabilities. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $1.883 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.1%.

18.1%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
3.5%: Agriculture's share of GDP (2024 est.).
66.4%: Services sector's contribution to GDP (2024 est.).
$1.157 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.).
8.2% of GDP: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
$425.182 million: Exports (2024 est.).

Government

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a legal system based on English common law. The country gained independence from the UK on October 27, 1979, and the political system is characterized by universal suffrage at 18 years of age. The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister and is supported by a unicameral legislature known as the House of Assembly.

22: Total number of seats in the House of Assembly.
5 years: Term length for elected representatives.
9: Seats held by the United Labour Party in the latest election (2025).
21.7%: Percentage of women in the legislature.
26 July 1979: Latest version of the constitution.

Military and Security

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not maintain regular military forces; instead, security is provided by the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. The nation is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS), which promotes regional cooperation in responding to security threats and natural disasters.

1982: Year of establishment for the Caribbean Regional Security System.
No regular military: The country relies on police forces for national security.

Energy

All citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have access to electricity, and the country's energy generation is largely dependent on fossil fuels. In 2023, the total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 55,000 kW, with hydroelectric sources contributing to a portion of the energy mix.

100%: Electrification rate for the total population (2022 est.).
140.316 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
86.1%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 est.).

Environment

The environment faces challenges such as pollution of coastal waters and deforestation. Despite this, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a participant in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

268,000 metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
31,600 tons: Estimated annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
73.2%: Percentage of forested land (2023 est.).
54.3%: Urban population (2023).

Transportation

Transport infrastructure includes five airports and a merchant fleet, with Kingstown serving as the primary port. The transportation network facilitates both domestic and international travel, critical for trade and tourism.

5: Number of airports (2025).
830: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).
1: Total port for Kingstown.

Communications

In terms of communications, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a relatively high rate of internet usage, with approximately 76% of the population accessing the internet. The country also supports a network of mobile and fixed-line telephony.

103,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
31,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
76%: Internet user penetration rate (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	100,647	Estimated for 2024
Area	389 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.883 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	18.1%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	11.72 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	77.2 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with access (2022 est.)
Urban Population	54.3%	Total population in urban areas (2023)
CO2 Emissions	268,000 metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023
Literacy Rate	100%	Adult literacy rate