Saint Kitts and Nevis

Government
Constitutional monarchy.

Geography
St. Kitts, the larger of the two islands, is roughly oval in shape except for a long, narrow peninsula to the southeast. Its highest point is Mount Liamuiga (3,792 ft. The Narrows, a 2-mile- wide channel, separates the two islands. Nevis Peak (3,232 ft) A volcanic mountain chain dominates the center of both islands.

Historical Background
First settled by the British in 1623, the islands became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. Nevis continues to try and separate from Saint Kitts.

Name

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Capital

(and largest city) Basseterre

Language

English

Area

Total 261 km2 (207th) 104 sq mi  Water (%) negligible

Population

July 2005 estimate 51,300 (209th)  Density 164/km2 (64th) 424/sq mi

Currency

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)