Country Profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean island nation composed of 32 islands and cays, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population estimated at 100,647 in 2024, the country primarily relies on agriculture as its economic backbone, complemented by tourism and service sectors. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, the nation gained independence from the UK in 1979, with King Charles III as the ceremonial head of state.
Geography
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, featuring a tropical climate and mountainous, volcanic terrain. The total land area is 389 square kilometers, with no land boundaries and a coastline of 84 kilometers. The islands are prone to natural hazards such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, specifically from the La Soufrière volcano.
- 344 sq km: Area of Saint Vincent
- 1,234 m: Highest point (La Soufrière)
- 17.9%: Agricultural land as of 2023
- 73.2%: Forested area as of 2023
- 12 nm: Territorial sea claim
People and Society
As of 2024, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a population of approximately 100,647, predominantly of African descent. The official language is English, with Vincentian Creole English also widely spoken. The society is largely Protestant, with 75% of the population adhering to various denominations. The country has an urbanization rate of 54.3%, with the majority of the population concentrated in and around the capital, Kingstown.
- 71.2%: Population of African descent
- 38.1 years: Median age (2025 est.)
- 77.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 11.72 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
- 23.7%: Adult obesity prevalence (2016 est.)
Economy
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an upper middle-income economy, mainly reliant on agriculture and tourism. The agricultural sector contributes only 3.5% to GDP, while the service sector dominates at 66.4%. The country’s GDP (PPP) is estimated at $1.883 billion for 2024, with real GDP growth projected at 4.1%.
- $1.883 billion: GDP (PPP) for 2024
- 18.1%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- $426 million: Exports forecast for 2024
- $641 million: Imports forecast for 2024
- 8.2%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
Government
The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a unicameral legislature known as the House of Assembly. The most recent elections were held on November 27, 2025, and the country’s national holiday is celebrated on October 27, marking its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.
- 22: Total seats in the House of Assembly
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 6: Number of parishes
- 77%: Percentage of the population with access to improved sanitation (2023)
- $1.157 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)
Military and Security
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not maintain regular military forces but relies on its police force for national security. The country is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System, which promotes cooperation among Caribbean nations in addressing security challenges.
- 1: No regular military forces
- 1982: Year of RSS establishment
- 100%: Population with electricity access (2022 est.)
Energy
The total installed electricity generation capacity of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 55,000 kW, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. The energy mix is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, which constitute 86.1% of total capacity, but there is also a focus on hydroelectric power.
- 140.316 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
- 12.6%: Hydroelectric contribution to installed capacity (2023 est.)
- 2,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
Environment
The islands face environmental issues such as coastal pollution, deforestation, and poor land-use planning. The country is a signatory to various international environmental agreements related to biodiversity and climate change, aiming to address these challenges effectively.
- 73.2%: Forest cover as of 2023
- 268,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- 31,600 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
Transportation
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has five airports and a small merchant marine fleet, providing essential transportation for trade and tourism. The main port is located in Kingstown.
- 5: Airports (2025)
- 1: Main port
- 830: Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
The country has a robust communications infrastructure, with significant mobile and internet subscriptions, and widespread access to broadcasting services. Internet penetration stands at 76% of the population in 2023.
- 103,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 31,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
- 76%: Internet user penetration (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 100,647 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 389 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.883 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 18.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 11.72 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 77.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| CO2 Emissions | 268,000 metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
| Municipal Solid Waste | 31,600 tons | 2024 estimate |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 103,000 | 2023 estimate |
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