Country Profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its volcanic terrain and tropical climate. With an estimated population of 100,647 in 2024, the country faces various socio-economic challenges, including a reliance on agriculture and a developing tourism sector. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, it achieved independence from the UK in 1979. The economy has shown growth potential but remains vulnerable, particularly following the 2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, which devastated agricultural lands.

Geography

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The territory includes 32 islands, with the largest being Saint Vincent. The terrain is predominantly volcanic and mountainous, characterized by its tropical climate and a rainy season from May to November.

Area: 389 sq km; about twice the size of Washington, D.C.
Highest Point: La Soufrière at 1,234 m.
Coastline: 84 km.
Climate: Tropical with little seasonal temperature variation.
Natural Hazards: Vulnerable to hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.

People and Society

The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is approximately 100,647, with a diverse ethnic mix primarily of African descent. The country exhibits a blend of cultures and languages, including English and Vincentian Creole. A notable part of the society is its religious composition, with a significant majority identifying as Protestant.

Urban Population: 54.3% of total population (2023).
Median Age: 37.6 years (2024).
Life Expectancy: 77.2 years (2024).
Birth Rate: 11.9 births/1,000 population (2024).
Infant Mortality Rate: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024).

Economy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an upper middle-income economy predominantly based on agriculture, with key products including bananas and root vegetables. The economy is diversifying into tourism and services, supported by its status as a CARICOM member.

GDP (PPP): $1.883 billion (2024 est.).
Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.1% (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 18.1% (2024 est.).
Exports: $425.182 million (2024 est.).
Top Export Partners: Croatia (16%), Barbados (14%), USA (10%), St. Lucia (10%).

Government

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the head of state represented locally by a Governor-General. The political landscape is characterized by a bicameral legislature and a multi-party system.

Capital: Kingstown.
Independence: Achieved on 27 October 1979.
Current Prime Minister: Ralph Everard Gonsalves (since 29 March 2001).
Legislature: House of Assembly with 22 seats (15 elected).
Universal Suffrage: At age 18.

Military and Security

The nation does not maintain regular military forces but has a police force under the Ministry of National Security. It is also a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System, which focuses on cooperative security amongst member states.

Police Force: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVPF).
No Regular Military: Emergency response provided through regional cooperation.

Energy

Electricity access in the nation is universal, with a significant portion of energy derived from fossil fuels. Renewable sources like hydroelectricity also contribute to the electricity generation landscape.

Electricity Access: 100% (2022).
Installed Capacity: 55,000 kW (2023).
Electricity Consumption: 140.316 million kWh (2023).
Fossil Fuel Dependency: 86.1% of total installed capacity.

Environment

The country faces environmental challenges such as coastal pollution and deforestation. It is actively involved in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

Forest Cover: 73.2% of land (2022).
Urban Population: 54.3% of total population (2023).
Total Water Resources: 100 million cubic meters (2020).

Transportation

The nation's transportation network includes a small number of airports and a significant merchant marine fleet, with Kingstown serving as the primary port.

Airports: 5 (2025).
Merchant Marine: 830 vessels (2023).
Key Port: Kingstown.

Communications

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a growing telecommunications sector, with a majority of the population using mobile and internet services.

Mobile Subscriptions: 103,000 (2023).
Broadband Subscriptions: 31,000 (2023).
Internet Usage: 76% of the population (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	100,647	(2024 est.)
Area	389 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.883 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	37.253 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	11.9 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	18.1%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.2 years	(2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.74 children born/woman	(2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	3.6%	(2024 est.)