Country Guide • St Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent is an island located at the lower end of the windward group of islands in the Caribbean Sea while the Grenadines are a chain of islets between St. Vincent and Grenada. St Vincent, like all the Windwards, is volcanic and mountainous with luxuriant vegetation and black sand beaches.
| Official Name | St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
|---|---|
| Area | 389km² (150mile²) |
| Population | 116,500 |
| Continent | Caribbean/North America |
| Population per mile² | 776 |
| Capital City | Kingstown |
| Religions | 77% Protestant, 19% Roman Catholic |
| Language | English and French patois |
| Government | Independent nation within the British Commonwealth |
| Currency | East Caribbean Dollar |
| GDP | $339 million |
| GDP per Head | $2,900 |
| Natural Resources | Hydropower, cropland |
| Land Use | Arable Land 10% |
| Agriculture | Bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish |
| Industry | Bananas, food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch and tourism |
| Tourism | A lush volcanic island, just 18 miles north to south and 11 miles wide, its windward coast is lined with cliffs and rocky shores pounded by the Atlantic ocean. The leeward coast has spectacular slopes and valleys running down to beaches lapped by the tranquil Caribbean Sea. The Capital, Kingstown, combines reminders of its colonial past with the bright and bustling life of a modern market town. Sailing around the Grenadines is a major pastime |
| Natural Hazards | Hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat |
| Health Risks | Diarrhoea and intestinal parasites |
| Climate | St. Vincent has a tropical climate. The rainy season is from May - November with an average annual rainfall varying between 60 -150 inches. Average temperature ranges are from 26°C to 28°C throughout the year |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | July 7 Caricom Day July 8 Carnival Tuesday August 4 August Monday October 27 Independence Day |
| Visas | UK and other foreign national passport holders do not need visas to enter St Vincent for visits up to 3 months. A return or onward ticket is required of all visitors |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
