Geography and economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis. What is the name of the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis? Detailed information about the country, history and interesting facts Form of government of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Sandy Point Town is the second largest city on the island of St. Kitts, after the city of Basseterre. Sandy Point Town is the county seat of St. Ann-Sandy Point Parish. In the 17th century, the city was the largest tobacco trading center on the island, so its main attraction is the large tobacco warehouses built at the same time by the Dutch West India Company.

According to historians, the town of Sandy Point was founded in 1623 by Sir Warner, an English colonizer of the islands. It was in this place that his team landed, and the gradual conquest of all of St. Kitts and Nevis by the British began. And from the very foundation, Sandy Point earned the honorary title of the main commercial center and trading port of the region. And although in the mid-eighteenth century the commercial and political center moved to the city of Basseterre, Sandy Point continued to play an important role in the life of the islands and remained the largest center for the tobacco trade. Modern Sandy Point is also a major industrial, manufacturing and tourism center for the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Scuba diving enthusiasts will also love Sandy Point. However, the sea coast is famous not only for its magnificent coral reef and rich underwater life, but also for stunning views of the ocean, wild sugar cane plantations and the formidable Black Rocks with frozen black lava.

Old Road Town

Old Road Town is a small town located in the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the Caribbean Sea. This city is considered one of the best historical attractions on the island of St. Kitts.

Old Road Town was built on the site where the first British settlers of the island landed in 1623. They were led by Sir Thomas Warner, who founded the first permanent European settlement here. They began growing tobacco here, thanks to which the Warner clan was able to make a large fortune. Until 1727, this city was the capital of the island, and then it became just a pleasant colonial town. Of the old buildings, the Government House, built of red brick, has been preserved here. In the old cemetery in the courtyard of the modest church of St. Thomas, 1.5 kilometers north of the main road, tourists can see the marble crypt of Sir Warner himself.

This city produces excellent batik fabric; here you can see the process of creating the fabric and painting it. The finished product can be purchased at the Caribel-Batik factory, which is located north of Old Road Town, in the suburb of Wingfield Estate. On the rocks you can find many examples of writing from the first Indians of the Cariba tribe. Tourists also come here to go diving, surfing, water skiing, yachting, scootering, and visiting restaurants, shops, and clubs.

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Frigate Bay

The famous Frigate Bay is one of the most vibrant places in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the main resort area of ​​the country with magnificent beaches, excellent climate and good conditions for relaxing on the seashore.

Frigate Bay is essentially two bays on the island of St. Kitts, which are located next to each other, in the northern part of South East. Frigate Bay is famous for such resort areas as Turtle Beach and the snow-white beach of White House Bay, the coast of Boobie Island and the bays of South Fries Bay and North Fries Bay.

Fans of scuba diving and snorkeling should visit the wonderful White House Bay beach, where all the conditions are created for exploring underwater life. And connoisseurs of natural beauty should definitely admire the many tropical animals and birds, as well as the amazing pink salt water ponds, of which there are many in this part of the island of St. Kitts. The color of the water is due to the myriads of tiny crustaceans that inhabit these lakes.

Middle Island is one of the 14 districts of the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which has an area of ​​24.3 square kilometers. The island's long coastline is made up of rocky beaches, black sand and cliffs, and the entire island is covered in tall tropical forests.

The landscape changes dramatically as you move further inland into abandoned areas of sugar cane and small farms. Tourism is a major attraction in the area due to its many historical sites. The main attraction of the island is the fortress of the Hill of Native Sulfur. The massive fortress was the largest ever built by the British in the Caribbean, and receives more visitors annually than any other site in St. Kitts and Nevis. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is on the island of Middle Island that the famous ancient city of Old Road Town is located - the center of tourism of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Heritage-Sisayati Museum

The Heritage Museum on the island of St. Kitts is a national museum of the natural, historical, environmental and cultural heritage of this island, opened in 2002. It is housed in the old Treasury House from 1894, which is also called the “Gateway to Basseterre.”

The Heritage-Sissayet Museum is located near the circus square, in the southern part of the city of Basseterre. It is famous for its ethnographic collection and numerous historical photographs. It contains shell tools and pottery shards from the Carib Indians who inhabited these islands before the arrival of Europeans. The exposition of the Basseterre Museum gives visitors an idea of ​​the history and culture of the island, the pre-Columbian and slave period of its development, and the 350-year history of the sugar industry. In his collection you can see Indian ceramics and clay pipes, firearms and cannonballs from the colonial period, samples of national clothing of St. Kitts and Nevis, and a series of historical maps of the island.

Mount Liamuiga

Mount Liamuiga is an incredibly beautiful, dormant volcano on the island of St. Kitts, 1156 meters high, located in the large rainforest of this green island. Liamuiga is the youngest of the three volcanic centers on the island of St. Kitts. Mount Liemuiga was formerly called "Mountain of Suffering".

The slopes of the mountain are covered with farmland and small villages. Many tours and excursions to the mountain usually start from the village of St. Paul. Then the path leads to the top through abandoned areas of sugar cane, through mango trees, through tropical rainforest. At the top of the mountain there is an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea, the neighboring islands of Saba, St. Barts, St. Martin, Antigua and Nevis. You can also see the extinct crater of the volcano, which after rains fills with water and creates a small lake.

Factory "Karibel-Batik"

The Caribel Batik factory is one of the attractions of the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is located north of Old Road Town, in the suburb of Wingfield Estate. This is a small factory where batik-painted fabrics are produced.

The factory was founded in 1974, and since then, having gained great momentum, it has become very popular all over the world. This complex is located on the site of the Romney Manor sugar plantation, which dates back to the 17th century. It belonged to the great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, a prominent lawyer and third President of the United States. There is a small botanical garden around the factory. Its main decoration is considered to be a 350-year-old adobe tree, which is the oldest on the island.

Tourists can visit the factory and walk through all the workshops, learning the intricacies and technology of fabric painting. It should be noted that production at the factory is mass production, as well as exclusive for individual orders. Many celebrities turn to the Karibel-batik factory for unusual outfits.

Saint Christopher Island

Saint Christopher Island, better known as Saint Kitts Island, is the main and largest island of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. It was colonized by the British in 1623, although even before that, in 1493, it was described by Christopher Columbus.

The island of St. Christopher is located in the Caribbean, washed by the Caribbean Sea on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The highest point in St. Kitts is the 1,156 meter dormant volcano Liamuiga, located over an area of ​​about 168 square kilometers. There are several cozy towns on the island, and the towns of Basseterre and Sandy Point are the most visited of them. In addition to a wonderful holiday on the magnificent coasts and white sandy beaches, the main attractions of the cities deserve attention - historical colonial houses, the central park, the Anglican Church of St. George, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the St. Kitts History Museum, the Heritage Sisayeti Museum, the House of Crafts.

Challengers Village

The village of Challengers lies 7 kilometers north of the city of Basseterre, the capital of the island of St. Kitts. It is known as the site of the brutal massacre of the island's first settlers, the Carib Indians, in 1626.

Here, among the green rocks, lie huge boulders, and even entire sections of stone walls, many of which bear ancient petroglyphs, widely known for their unique compositional structure - scientists believe that these are the first animations on Earth, in the sequence of signs of which certain signs can be traced. then religious or historical events of Indian peoples. Tourists enjoy exploring the surroundings of the village - they are interesting for anyone who loves exploring ancient places.

South East Peninsula

The South East Peninsula is the southeastern peninsula of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. At the isthmus, the coast is sandwiched by Frigate Bay, and to the south it widens noticeably, forming a “blade” of St. Thomas Lowland County heavily indented with bays and salty reservoirs.

The South East Peninsula is strictly protected by the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis environmental laws, so it remains a nature reserve with magnificent beaches and stunning salt lakes. Only recently were several roads built here for ease of movement. The nature of the peninsula is replete with rugged bays, salt lakes and lonely grass-covered hills. Traveling here you can meet only a few representatives of the animal world - flocks of vervet monkeys, deer and wild goats grazing on the hilly plains.

You can relax in one of three resort complexes and explore the mysterious peninsula, enjoying the unsurpassed nature, captivating at first sight with its formidable and at the same time enchanting beauty. You should definitely visit the magnificent Turtle Beach, the Great Salt Pond, the largest pink pond on the peninsula, as well as the famous bays - Ballast, Meyer, Frigate Bay and Kokleshell.

The most popular attractions in St. Kitts with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in St. Kitts on our website.

Christopher Columbus first arrived in St. Kitts in 1493, but Europeans did not colonize the land for a long time. Only in 1623 did the British begin to explore the islands discovered by the Spaniards. The strategic location and sugar led to their rapid development. Amazingly beautiful nature, lots of sun, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and snow-white beaches make St. Kitts and Nevis one of the best tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Geography of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea in the West Indies. It consists of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which belong to the Lesser Antilles. The total area of ​​the country is 261 square meters. km.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are of volcanic origin, so it is not surprising that most of their territory is covered with mountains and hills. The population lives mainly near the coast, where there are fewer mountains. The highest peak is the Liamiuga volcano, whose height reaches 1,156 meters.

Numerous rivers flow from the mountains of St. Kitts and Nevis, providing local residents with fresh water. There is also one small lake in St. Kitts.

From June to November, hurricanes sometimes sweep over these islands. Some of them are very destructive.

Capital

Basseterre is the capital of the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis. About 20 thousand people now live in it. Basseterre was founded by the French in 1627.

Official language of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The official language is English.

Religion

The majority of the population profess Christianity (belong to the Anglican Church, Methodists and Catholics).

State structure

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a constitutional monarchy. Its head is the monarch of Great Britain. The country is governed by a Governor-General appointed by the English monarch.

The unicameral local parliament is called the National Assembly and consists of 14 deputies. True, only 11 of them are elected by the people, and the remaining three are appointed by the Governor General. By the way, the Governor General also appoints ministers. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers are responsible to Parliament.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is divided into 14 districts (nine on the island of Saint Kitts and the remaining five on the island of Nevis).

Climate and weather

The climate is tropical. The average daytime air temperature is +26C (lower temperatures prevail at higher elevations). Humidity is usually around 70%. Annual precipitation ranges from 100 to 300 mm. Winds predominantly blow from the east and rarely exceed 19 km/h (except for hurricane season, which begins in July and ends in November).

The peak holiday season is from December to April.

Sea in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the Caribbean Sea. Both of these islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. The average annual sea temperature near the coast is +27C.

Culture

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their wonderful culture. The inhabitants of these islands have great musical and dancing abilities. The most popular local holidays are carnivals, of which there are a lot.

In January there is the Grand New Year's Parade and the Las Lap National Carnival, in March - the Carifta Games, in June - the St Kitts Music Festival, in July - the Culturama (Nevis), in September - the Capisterre Festival, and in December - the Christmas festivities.

Each local carnival is accompanied by very colorful folk processions, music, dancing, yacht competitions, equestrian competitions, parades, etc.

Cuisine of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The cuisine on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis is typical of the West Indies. The main foods are rice, fish and seafood (especially shrimp and lobster). Meat ludas are most often prepared from goat meat. Lots of fruits, especially mangoes, papaya and bananas.

Typical local dishes are goat stew in tomato sauce (with breadfruit and papaya), pelau (stew with chicken, salted or dried cod and vegetables, served with rice and peas), and roti (flatbread with vegetables, curry and meat or shrimp), etc.

Traditional soft drinks are coffee, tea and fruit juices.

The traditional alcoholic drink is rum (the most popular varieties are Belmont Estate and Brinley Gold).

Attractions

There are not very many attractions on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, however, tourists will still be interested there. So, in Basseterre, be sure to visit Independence Square (there was a slave market there in the Middle Ages) and see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

In the vicinity of Old Road Town you can see petroglyphs of the Carib Indians, as well as the ruins of the ancient sugar plantation Romney Manor, founded in the 17th century.

On some parts of the coast of the island of Nevis, in particular, north of Charlestown, several medieval forts built by the British have survived to this day. The most famous of them is Fort Ashby, built at the beginning of the 18th century.

Cities and resorts

The largest city is Basseterre, which is home to about 20 thousand people. The rest of the local cities are even smaller. Thus, the population of Cayon is about 4 thousand people, Monkey Hill is about 4 thousand people, Sandy Point Town is about 3.5 thousand people, and Middle Island is 3 thousand people.

Tourists come to the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis to relax on their amazing beaches. Tourists' expectations are justified - some of the best beaches in the world await them there.

In the southeast of St. Kitts, tourists are recommended to visit beaches such as Turtle Beach, Sand Bank Bay and Frigate Bay. These beaches have very white sand and clear water. In the north of this island, numerous beaches consist of fine black volcanic sand. Of course, you need to see them, especially if you have never seen such beaches before.

The island of Nevis is famous for its long snow-white Pinney Beach, next to which coconut palms grow. Other famous beaches on this island are Oualie Beach, Cades Bay Beach, Nisbet Beach and Lovers' Beach.

The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis have excellent diving opportunities. More than 400 ships sank in the area between 1493 and 1825, but only about ten have been recovered so far. So amazing adventures await divers there.

Some of the most popular diving spots include Black Coral Reef, Blood Bay Reef, Booby Island, coral grottoes off the west coast of Nevis, Coconut Tree Reef, Monkey Reef and Nags Head.

Some of these sites are suitable for beginner divers. But there are also places (for example, Nags Head) where only experienced swimmers can dive.

Souvenirs/shopping

Tourists buy handicrafts, dolls in national costumes, batik fabric, clothes, bed linen, hot sauces, honey, and rum.

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Saint Kitts and Nevis

(Saint Kitts and Nevis), Saint Christopher and Nevis , state on the islands of the same name in the east. part of the Caribbean Sea; are part of the group Leeward Islands (Lesser Antilles). Pl. 261 km². Capital – Buster . The islands were discovered by X. Columbus in 1493. In 1623, an English settlement was founded on St. Christopher (the first in West Indies); in 1624 - French. Since 1625, together with Fr. Anguilla is a colony of Great Britain, which became the base for its conquest of other islands in the region, for which it is called the “cradle of the Caribbean.” Since September 19 (national holiday) 1983 - independent state Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis . Member of the British Commonwealth. The head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General; Legislative power belongs to the National meetings.
The islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous (the highest point is the Miseri volcano, 1155 m). The climate is tropical trade wind; humid and hot. Wed.-Mon. temperatures 18–32 °C, precipitation from 1500 mm per year at low elevations. up to 3700 mm in the mountains. Hurricanes are frequent. The mountain slopes are occupied by sax plantations. reed and cotton, higher - shrubs and small mountain tropical forests.
Population 39 thousand people. (2001), Ch. arr. blacks (descendants of slaves brought from Africa) and mulattoes. Official English language. B.h. believers - Protestants. The economy is based on rural areas. food and services for foreign tourists (magnificent beaches, sometimes with black volcanic sand). A third of cultivated land is occupied by agricultural land. reed; cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown on Nevis. Production of raw sugar, molasses, cottonseed and coconut oil, copra, small light production, pharmaceuticals. prom-sti. Intl. airport. A fortress in which in the 18th–19th centuries. there was an English garrison and where Thomas Warner, the founder of the British West Indies, is buried; the underwater ringing of church bells in Jamestown, which was flooded by the 1960 earthquake; remains of Indian settlements. Cash unit – East Caribbean dollar.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, or the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is an island state in the West Indies, in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. Includes the islands of Saint Kitts (or Saint Christopher, area 168 sq. km) and Nevis (93 sq. km). The capital is Basseterre (18 thousand people, 1999).
Nature. The islands are of volcanic origin. The island of St. Kitts stretches for 37 km from northwest to southeast. In the same direction along its central axis stretch strongly dissected peaked mountains with the highest point of the country - the extinct volcano Liamuiga (formerly Misery, 1156 m) in the north, in the crater of which there is a lake. The southeastern tip of the island of St. Kitts is formed by a peninsula, which is a flat plain. Its coastline is rugged, forming many bays with sandy beaches. The island of Nevis, separated from the island of St. Kitts by the Narrows Strait, approx. wide. 3 km, has a round shape and is a mountain with the peak of Nevis (985 m), above which fog constantly rises. A strip of sandy beaches stretches along the coast. The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Both islands are cut through by numerous watercourses.
The tropical climate of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis is formed under the influence of trade winds and is characterized by average monthly temperatures of approx. 26° C. In rare cases, the temperature drops to 18° C and rises to 32° C. Ocean breezes moderate the heat. There is no rainy season. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The average annual precipitation is 700–1400 mm, with more of it falling in the mountains. The islands are in the zone of tropical typhoons, which sometimes cause significant damage.
The mountain slopes in the interior of the islands are covered with dense, intertwined lianas, tropical rain forests, which in the upper parts of the slopes are replaced by meadow vegetation, and in their lower parts they are reduced and replaced by plantations. The forests contain many brightly flowering and fruiting plants (mango, tamarind, avocado, bananas, papaya, breadfruit, etc.). There are groves of cinnamon trees and coconut palms. Plantations of sugar cane and other agricultural crops are common on the fertile soils of the lower slopes and plains. Numerous tropical birds and butterflies have found shelter in the forests, and there are monkeys. Many seabirds, including pelicans, nest on the coast. The waters abound with fish.
In general, natural and climatic conditions are favorable for the creation of resorts and the development of tourism business.
Population. In 2004, 38.8 thousand people lived in the country, with approx. 80% on St. Kitts. Children and adolescents under the age of 15 make up 30% of the island's population, the age group from 15 to 65 years old - 61%, over 65 years old - 9%. The birth rate is estimated at 19.06 per 1000 population, mortality - 9.38 per 1000, emigration - 11.85 per 1000, population decline - 0.22%. The population is dominated by descendants of African slaves brought to work on plantations at the dawn of the colonial period. Among the believers, Protestants (Anglicans and Methodists) predominate, with some Catholics. The official language is English.
State structure. The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is represented by the Governor General. Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament (National Assembly with a term of office of 5 years) consisting of 14 members (11 are elected by the population: 8 from St. Kitts and 3 from Nevis; 3 are appointed by the Governor General: 1 on the recommendation of the leader of the opposition, 2 - on the recommendation of the Prime Minister). All citizens of the country who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote. The executive branch is represented by the government headed by the Prime Minister, a member of the People's Assembly who has the support of a majority in Parliament and is appointed by the Governor-General. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The government is responsible to parliament.
Nevis has a legislative body - the Assembly of the Island of Nevis. Five deputies are elected by the population, and three are appointed. According to the constitution, Nevis has the right to separate from St. Kitts.
The main political parties are Labor, Concerned Citizens Movement (on Nevis), Nevis Reform Party, People's Action Movement (on St. Kitts), United National Movement (on Nevis, advocates separation from St. Kitts). In the elections of March 2000, the Labor Party won a majority of seats in parliament and formed a government.
Economy. Traditionally, the main sectors of the economy have been agriculture (focused mainly on sugarcane growing) and serving foreign tourists. Due to the decline in world sugar prices in recent years, tourism has begun to play a large role in the country’s economy (about 250 thousand tourists visit the country annually), the production of some export industrial goods and offshore banking. According to estimates, the total GDP in 1998 amounted to 244 million dollars, and per capita - 6000 thousand dollars. The structure of GDP is dominated by the service sector (more than 70%), the share of industry is more than 20%, agriculture - approx. 6%.
The main crops on the island of St. Kitts are sugar cane and cotton, on the island of Nevis - cotton, coconut palm and sugar cane. They also cultivate coffee trees, bananas, pineapples, peanuts, yams, and rice. Livestock farming is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also one of the traditional industries. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.
The manufacturing industry is poorly developed and is represented mainly by small enterprises producing raw sugar, copra, cottonseed and coconut oil, alcoholic beverages, textiles, footwear, medicines, electrical equipment, and, in recent years, electronics.
Transport links on the islands are well developed and support the tourism business and the needs of sugar production. The length of roads is more than 300 km, of which about a third are paved. Narrow gauge railway on the island of St. Kitts with a length of approx. 60 km connects sugar cane plantations with a sugar processing plant. The main seaports are Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts and Charlestown on the island of Nevis. It does not have its own merchant fleet. There are two airports in the country: Golden Rock International in the vicinity of the capital and Newcastle on the island of Nevis.
Imports are almost four times higher in value than exports. The trade deficit is covered by income from tourism and remittances from citizens working abroad. They export sugar, molasses, cotton, cottonseed and coconut oil, drinks, tobacco products, and fruits. They import equipment, petroleum products, food, and industrial products. The main foreign trade partners are the USA, Great Britain and the countries of the Caribbean Community.
There is a government radio and television service. The weekly journal of the People's Action Movement party "Democrat" (3 thousand copies) and the newspaper of the Trade Union and Labor Union of St. Kitts and Nevis "Labor Spokesman" (6 thousand, published twice a week) are published.
Education system. School education is free and compulsory for children aged 5 to 16 years. In the early 1990s, there were 10.3 thousand students in public schools (23 primary and 7 secondary). In addition, 1.3 thousand studied in private schools. The country has a branch of the University of the West Indies, technical and teacher training colleges.
Story. The original inhabitants of St. Kitts were Caribbean Indians. Christopher Columbus landed on this island during his second voyage to the New World in 1493 and named it “San Cristobal” (English name “St. Christopher”), but Europeans settled there only in the early 17th century. The first English settlement in the West Indies appeared in 1623 on the island of St. Kitts, and the French founded a settlement on this island the following year. Soon the local population was forced out of the island.
Initially, tobacco plantations were created on the island of St. Kitts, but later their owners switched to growing high-quality sugar cane, which brings large profits. Throughout the 17th–18th centuries. Between Great Britain and France there was a struggle for possession of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. From 1625 they were part of the English colony, but in 1664–1689 and 1782–1783 they came under the control of France. However, according to the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, the French had to cede these islands to the British. Since 1871, they were part of the English colony of the Leeward Islands (in 1882 the island of Anguilla, or Anguilla, was annexed to them), and in 1958–1967 - the West Indies Federation. In 1967, Saint Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla received the status of a “state associated with Great Britain” with internal self-government. Issues of foreign policy and defense remained within the competence of Great Britain. In 1980, Anguilla left the three-island federation. On September 19, 1983, the independent state of Saint Kitts and Nevis was proclaimed as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. Nevis has the constitutional right to secede from St. Kitts if more than two-thirds of the island's population agrees to this act. However, in a referendum in 1998, only 62% of Nevis residents voted for independence.
The Labor Party was the leading party in the country until 1980, when a coalition of the People's Action Movement and the Nevis Reform Party won a majority of seats in parliament. They held power until July 1995, when the Labor Party again won the elections. The government she formed set a course to stop the transit of drugs and prevent related crime. In addition, the revival of the sugar industry, the development of tourism and the growth of export manufacturing industries were envisaged. The Labor Party retained its influence after the 2000 parliamentary elections.

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

FEDERATION OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
A country in the eastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands in the Leeward Islands group: Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher) and Nevis. The island of St. Kitts is crossed by a mountain range, the highest point of which is Mount Lamiuga (1315 m). The country's area is about 267 km2.
The country's population (estimated for 1998) is about 42,300 people. Ethnic groups: Africans - 90%, Europeans. Language: English (state), Patois (local dialect based on French). Religion: Anglicans, Catholics. The capital is Basseterre. Largest cities: Basseterre (18,500 people), Chalston (1,250 people). The government system is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, represented by Governor General Sir Clement Athelston Errindell (in office since September 19, 1983). The head of government is Prime Minister D. Dugdas (in office since 1995). The currency is the East Caribbean dollar. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 64 years for men, 70 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 22.9. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 8.5.
Christopher Columbus landed on the islands in 1493 and named one of them Saint Christopher - in honor of his patron saint. In 1623 and 1628 the islands came into the possession of Great Britain. Several times in the 17th and 18th centuries, the island of St. Kitts was captured by France and only in 1783, according to the Treaty of Paris, came into full possession of Great Britain. In 1967, the state received the right to self-government in the Commonwealth of Nations. On September 19, 1983, the country's independence was declared. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the UN, IMF, FAO, WHO, UNESCO, Organization of American States, British Commonwealth of Nations.
Tourists are attracted by the picturesque nature of the islands and beaches of the Caribbean coast.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis or the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a state in the West Indies located on the islands of Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher) and Nevis. The total area of ​​the state is 261.6 sq. km, including the area of ​​the island of St. Kitts (St. Christopher) 168.4 sq. km. The country's population is 42.3 thousand people, mainly of African origin (86%). The official language is English. The islands are dominated by Protestantism (Anglicanism and Methodism). The capital is the city of Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is part of the British Commonwealth. According to the 1982 constitution, the Queen of Great Britain is considered the head of state. (cm. Great Britain) Elizabeth the Second, represented by the Governor General. Legislative power in the country is exercised by the National Assembly, consisting of 11 deputies elected for a period of five years. Residents of the island of Nevis elect their local government, the Nevis Island Assembly. Executive power in the state is exercised by the government, which has been headed by Prime Minister D. Douglas since 1995.
The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are of volcanic origin, mountainous (height up to 1155 m). The climate is tropical and hot. Fluctuations in average monthly temperatures are insignificant - 18-24 °C. Precipitation will range from 700 to 1200 mm per year. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Since the beginning of the seventeenth century, France and England tried to take possession of St. Kitts and Nevis. In 1623, the first English settlement in the West Indies was founded on St. Kitts, and in 1624 a French outpost appeared on the island. For the British and French, this island became a base for the colonization of the West Indies, for which it is called the cradle of the Caribbean. Formally, in 1625, St. Kitts was annexed to the British crown. In 1628, the British captured Nevis. The Indians were driven out of the islands by 1629, and the colonialists began to import blacks from Africa to work on the plantations. France twice established its control over St. Kitts, and only in 1783 the islands were finally assigned to Great Britain. Since September 19, 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis has been an independent state.
The basis of the islands' economy is agriculture and serving foreign tourists. The area of ​​cultivated land is 8 thousand hectares. A third of the cultivated land is occupied by sugar cane; on the island of Nevis, cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown. The population traditionally engages in fishing. Saint Kitts and Nevis is only half provided with its own food. Industry is represented by small enterprises processing agricultural products, producing alcoholic beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, medicines, and assembling electrical equipment. Ten percent of the working population is unemployed. The length of roads on the islands is 198 km; on St. Kitts, a narrow-gauge railway 58 km long was built to serve sugar cane plantations. Golden Rock International Airport is located three kilometers from Basseterre. The country exports sugar and molasses (40% of exports, mainly to the UK and Canada (cm.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small country in the Caribbean Sea. The country is located on two islands: Nevis and St. Kitts. They belong to the Lesser Antilles.

Columbus named St. Kitts after St. Christopher, who is the patron saint of travelers. Over the years, navigators shortened the saint’s name for convenience to “Keats.”

But the island of Nevis received this name because of the mountain peaks shrouded in snow-white clouds, because its name literally translates as “our snow lord.”

Climate and weather

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, formed under the influence of the trade winds. It's hot and humid here. Average temperature is +26 °С, may fluctuate slightly.

There is no clearly defined rainy season here - precipitation falls relatively evenly throughout the year.

The islands are in an area that is often subject to severe tropical storms, especially from August to October. Sometimes hurricanes cause quite significant damage.

Nature

Both islands are of volcanic origin and the landscape is mountainous.

The island of St. Kitts is located on the slopes of a massive volcanic formation Liamuiga. In the southeast it is adjacent to a flat peninsula with many salt lakes.

In the center of St. Kitts, the mountainous part is covered with dense tropical forest. In the north, in the foothills, there are plantations of sugar cane and other crops. The southern slopes are sharper and covered with orchards. Numerous rivers flow from the mountain slopes, which well moisten the central part of the island.

The peninsula in the south is dry. Herbs and shrubs grow here. The shores are sandy and form many bays.

Across the Strait Narrows you can reach the neighboring island of Nevis. It is almost half the size of St. Kitts. Here, in the center of the island, there is a dormant volcano of the same name. Nevis is formed by volcanic rocks. Tropical forests grow on the eastern slopes, and palm trees cover the western slopes, forming coconut groves.

The forests are home to exotic birds, butterflies, and various species of monkeys. Pelicans build nests on the banks.

Coral reefs fringe picturesque shallow lagoons off the coast. There are a lot of fish in the lagoons.

Attractions

Most of the historic buildings of Basseterre, the country's capital, were destroyed by fire in 1867. However, some of the Victorian-style buildings, with wooden second floors and excellent stucco, still survive.

Unique is Fort Street. This is a street with original architecture: here the old fortress walls were simply included in the construction during the construction of houses.

The city also has its own little secret: some of the buildings seem ancient, but they are not. They were built at the end of the 19th century. True, from sooty stones that remained from houses destroyed after a fire.

On the main square of the city there is a statue of a maiden who crowns the central fountain. This statue was presented to the city by Queen Elizabeth II on the Islands' Independence Day. This square was previously home to a slave market, but now serves as a reminder of the country's colonial past.

A few kilometers west of Basseterre - and you will find yourself in an ancient seaside village Old Road Town. It arose on the spot where the first colonialists landed in the 17th century. At one time there was even the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Now it is a quiet and beautiful town, where the Government House, built of red brick, has been preserved, as well as the marble tomb of Sir Warner, who is the founder of this town.

On the rocks around the village you can find many petroglyphs of the Carib Indians, the first inhabitants of St. Kitts.

There is a botanical garden where the adobe tree grows, dating back over 350 years! This is the oldest tree on the island.

The island of Nevis is famous for its city Charlestown. It is known as an open-air colonial architecture museum. There are many well-preserved buildings from the 17th-19th centuries in the city center.

While in Charlestown, be sure to visit the Nevis Historical Museum. The building itself was built in the Georgian style on the site where the outstanding Hamilton was born. The museum, in addition to an exhibition on the history of the island, has a collection of portraits of Hamilton.

Nutrition

Chefs of local restaurants are constantly trying to add something new to the cuisine that has been developing on the islands for many years. Local chefs add notes of Chinese, Creole, continental, Indian, French and Mediterranean cuisines. It turns out to be a kind of cocktail of dishes, but with bright shades of local cuisine.

Traditional dishes here are seafood in a variety of preparations. The meat they eat here is lamb, pork, poultry and even turtle meat.

You should definitely try the local paella made from rice, peas and pigeon meat. They also bake suckling pig in a rather unusual way.

The side dish most often includes rice or vegetables, often peas or potatoes.

For desserts, they prefer fruit pies.

For lunch in a good restaurant you will have to pay at least $25. Although you can find one of the modest restaurants with seafood cuisine. Here you will pay a little less for your food.

Accommodation

Local resorts are quite expensive. Prices for accommodation in a good hotel here start from $225, and if you want a full package of services at one of the fashionable resorts on the islands, you will have to part with an amount of several tens of thousands of dollars.

The cost of living is also high in old plantation estates converted into hotels. For a night in such a hotel you need to pay from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Entertainment and relaxation

Around the islands in the sea there are about 400 sunken ships that attract divers from all over the world. In addition, there are incredibly many exotic fish in coastal waters.

But not only ships, reefs and fish deserve the attention of divers. Off the western coast of Nevis there are underwater caves that seem to have been created by nature specifically for speleosorkeling.

Activities here include horse riding and golf. There are also tennis courts on the islands.

St. Kitts hosts several festivals throughout the year. The largest is the Carnival, which runs from December 24 to January 2. During the Carnival, colorful costume parades, a calypso music festival, and dance competitions are always held.

In January, Nevis hosts a number of interesting events dedicated to Hamilton's birthday.

Equestrian competitions are held here in June. Also this month, the islands host a Music Festival, which attracts the best jazz and salsa performers from all over the Caribbean islands.

There are also nightclubs where active nightlife enthusiasts can have a great time.

Purchases

To remember St. Kitts and Nevis, tourists usually bring all kinds of sea souvenirs. These include shells, coral crafts, and small handmade boats. Pirate-themed souvenirs are very popular.

If you want to bring home a piece of the local atmosphere, then it is best to buy things made by local artisans: exotic jewelry, bright fabrics, crafts made from wood and coconuts.

Batik would be a great gift from your trip. These are hand-painted fabrics. Sometimes batik is used to make paintings that look very elegant!

Transport

Transport here is not very developed. There is a railway along the coast that serves cotton and sugar cane plantations.

The total length of the islands' roads is just over 300 kilometers, although only a third of them are paved.

Cities on the coasts have ports. The largest ports are located in Basseterre in St. Kitts and Charlestown on Nevis.

There are also airports here. Flights are accepted to St. Kitts Golden Rock, and on Nevis - Newcastle. There are no airlines here.

Public transport and car rental are almost undeveloped.

Connection

On the islands there are three mobile phone standards: GSM 850, GSM 900/1900 And TDMA. Four local operators provide the full range of mobile services.

Roaming is available for subscribers of the largest Russian operators. If your phone fits the standard TDMA, then you can use the phone without a SIM card - using your credit number. At the offices of local operators you can subscribe to their tariffs or rent the telephone sets themselves.

Payphones are installed everywhere, calls on which can be paid with small local coins and cards, which are sold in shops, hotels, pharmacies and at the post office.

You can make an international call from your hotel room, but it will cost you 10-15% more than from a payphone. The connection quality here is very good.

There are many Internet cafes on the islands; they are located in large hotels and on the central streets of cities. They are served by companies Connections And Cable&Wireless.

Safety

Saint Kitts and Nevis can be described as a country with a very low crime rate. Although pickpockets and scammers of all kinds can be found here too. To protect yourself, it is enough to be vigilant. Most often, pickpockets fall victim to ports, airports and other crowded places. Therefore, you should not carry large sums of money and all documents with you. Also, local police do not advise leaving things in cars while they are parked.

Before visiting St. Kitts and Nevis, it is better to get vaccinated against dengue, leptospirosis and hepatitis A.

Drinking water in small towns is practically not chlorinated, unlike water in large cities, so it may be unsuitable for consumption. It is better to prefer bottled water.

The currents off the coast can be very strong, so you should swim very carefully.

Business climate

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a country with a strong and stable economy. The business climate of the islands can be described as very favorable for investment.

A stable political system has developed here. The country stands out due to its low taxes and open economy, so it is quite easy to start a business here.

When registering firms and companies, founders can choose between a regular tax of 35% and obtaining offshore status, which exempts them from paying taxes.

By investing in the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, you will receive a second citizenship in a short time.

Real estate

Although life in St. Kitts and Nevis is quite expensive, real estate here is cheaper than on other Caribbean islands.

One-room apartments here sell from $120,000. If you want to buy a villa, then a small house with two bedrooms and a beautiful view from the windows will cost you from $230,000. Of course, there are luxury villas on the coast, but their prices are several times higher.

If you like agricultural work, then by paying from $340,000, you can become the owner of an old villa with a large plantation. True, the villa for this price will probably need renovation.

The peculiarity of Saint Kitts and Nevis is that when foreigners purchase real estate, they are granted a second citizenship within four months. Moreover, they do this for all family members and even elderly relatives.

The best time to visit St. Kitts and Nevis is from June to August. It is also called the summer low season. At this time it is dry and cool, and prices are not as high as during the peak winter period.

Offices of companies and government agencies are open from 8:00 to 17:00, with a one-hour break for lunch at noon. Shops are open from 8:00 to 16:00. Only large supermarkets close a little later, at 18:00.

Colonial flavor, majestic mountains, tropical forests, beaches, multi-star hotels, well-established transport routes (including through the airport). This is what most attracts guests to St. Kitts and Nevis.

The embankment of Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis

And most importantly, the country provides the opportunity to acquire a second citizenship. Many people can get a passport from a state located in the sunny Caribbean. This is possible, first of all, thanks to investments in the regional economy.

One of the best places for a quiet holiday and real estate investment. This is what they say about the country of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest in the Western Hemisphere in terms of area and number of inhabitants. The former English colony is located on two islands of the same name in the Caribbean Sea. Its inhabitants are subjects of the monarch of the United Kingdom.

Many Americans and Europeans who come to the Caribbean as a summer home have long received citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis. Having just left the airport, they head to the beaches or walk through forests full of birds and butterflies. Russians have just begun to explore this area as a second home.

Attractive destination

When going to the Caribbean, you need to remember that there are no direct flights between the Russian Federation and St. Kitts and Nevis. Get there or Miami. The islands have their own airport (there are two in total). In particular, in the capital of the country, Basseterre, which is located on the territory of St. Kitts, the Golden Rock International Airport is located.

Flights from American Airlines, British Airways, Delta and others are sent there. It takes about 10 hours to fly from Britain to your destination, and only 3 hours from there. The second airport accepts passengers in the city of Newcastle.

The opportunity to get to the Caribbean islands by ship increases their attractiveness for tourists and businessmen. This allows you to avoid spending money on numerous transfers and save personal time. After leaving the airport, you can immediately go sunbathing on the beach or for business negotiations.

Detailed map of Saint Kitts and Nevis showing all the islands

Price range

Holidays to St. Kitts and Nevis in 2019 are expensive. For example, hotel prices start at an average of 250 US dollars. The cost of a full luxury resort package can reach tens of thousands. Rooms in hotels converted from old plantation estates are even more expensive. And during peak tourist months (from December to February) you have to pay several times more for accommodation.

At the same time, buying real estate will cost much less than on other Caribbean islands.

Prices for one-room apartments start from $120 thousand, and for villas – from $240 thousand.

Of course, if we are talking about a small house with two bedrooms, and not huge mansions on the coast or buildings with plantations.

However, the acquisition of real estate allows you to obtain a second citizenship. Therefore, there are many people willing (including many Russians) who are ready to spend money, despite the prices.

Beachfront villa in St. Kitts and Nevis

Security of economic citizenship

The opportunity to purchase a passport in exchange for investing in your economy has existed in Saint Kitts and Nevis for many years. The country was the first in the world to provide citizenship through investment. Until now, this program is recognized as one of the most stable and respected.

Its main advantages:

• enshrined in the Constitution;
• protected at the highest level of government;
• efficient and beneficial to all applicants.

Benefits of Citizenship

Why do those who are looking for a place for a second citizenship opt for an island Caribbean state? Its passport gives its owner the following benefits in 2019:

The conditions for obtaining a basic document from a Caribbean country are also attractive for applicants (including Russians):

How to obtain economic citizenship

You can do this in two ways:

1. Having purchased real estate.
2. By investing in the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund (SIDF).

In the first case, real estate is purchased from a list of objects approved by the authorities. In the second, money is transferred as a sponsorship contribution. The Foundation's activities are aimed at providing jobs and helping local residents.
Applicants' documents are reviewed by a commission that includes government representatives. In some cases, the applicant may be invited to the country for an interview.

Buying a property

This method is suitable for both those who want to stay on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis all year round, and those who want to visit there exclusively on short visits. Often, housing is used only as a place to stay overnight, since immediately after the airport people go to the beach to sunbathe. In order for the property to make a profit, the house is rented out during absence.

It is not necessary to purchase an already constructed building. You can select a plot of land on which there are no buildings. The main thing is that the cost of the purchased object is at least $400 thousand. It also cannot be sold for 5 years.

Additional expenses

The minimum threshold established when purchasing real estate is not affected by the number of family members. This can be either a single applicant or an applicant for citizenship with a wife/husband and children. The presence of relatives will only affect the total price of the state registration fee.

It amounts to:

• $50 thousand from the main investor;
• $25 thousand for spouse;
• $25 thousand for all children under 18 years of age;
• $50 thousand for each unmarried son/daughter after 18.

You will also have to pay extra for a check, during which reliability is assessed. It will necessarily affect not only the applicant, but also all members of his family who are over 16 years old. Check cost:

• $7.5 thousand from the main investor;
• $4 thousand for the spouse and each of the children over 16.

The assistance of a local authorized agent will require separate financial expenditures.

Bank office on the island of St. Kitts

You can only get a second passport through his mediation. Legal and professional services cost:

• $25 thousand per applicant;
• $40 thousand for an applicant with a family.

In addition, all duties and fees associated with the purchase of real estate will require financial resources.