Saint Kitts and Nevis

Introduction to Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the Leeward Islands is a unitary island nation in the Caribbean, and the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The capital-city and government for the federated state, is mainly on the larger island of, Saint Kitts (formerly named: Saint Christopher). The smaller state of Nevis (formerly named: Nuestra Señora de las Nieves) lies about 3km southeast of Saint Kitts. Historically the British dependency of Anguilla was also a part of this union, which was then known collectively as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla.

Given that Saint Kitts and Nevis are geographically within the Leeward Islands, they are relatively close to a cluster of several other islands. To the north-north west lie the islands of Saint Eustatius, Saba, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin. To the north-east lie Antigua and Barbuda, and to the south-east lies Montserrat.

Originally colonies of the United Kingdom, Saint Kitts and Nevis along with Anguilla, became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. St. Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In August 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from St. Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. In late September 1998, Hurricane Georges caused approximately $445 million in damages and limited GDP growth for the year.

Alexander Hamilton, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, was born on Nevis and spent his childhood there and on the island of St. Croix.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Saint Kitts and Nevis

There are no serious security or safety concerns. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure that personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Petty crime, robbery, and assault occur. Check with local authorities to find out which beaches are safe and patrolled. Avoid unpatrolled beaches after dark.