Country Profile: Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere by both area and population, is situated in the Caribbean approximately one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. Known for its volcanic terrain and tropical climate, the dual-island nation has a population of about 55,434 (2025 est.) and a burgeoning economy largely driven by tourism and offshore financial services. As a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, it gained independence from the UK in 1983, and continues to balance modern economic development with preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.

Geography

Saint Kitts and Nevis is characterized by its volcanic origins, featuring mountainous interiors and a tropical climate influenced by constant sea breezes. The islands are separated by a narrow channel known as The Narrows and showcase a total area of 261 square kilometers. With a coastline of 135 kilometers, the country experiences seasonal variations primarily between May and November due to its rainy season.

• 261 sq km: Total area of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• 135 km: Length of the coastline
• 1,156 m: Elevation of Mount Liamuiga, the highest point
• 42.3%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
• 23.1%: Percentage of agricultural land (2023 est.)
• 0 km: Land boundaries due to its status as island nations
• 3 km: Width of the channel separating the two islands

People and Society

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a diverse population predominantly of African descent, making up approximately 92.5% of its inhabitants. The official language is English, and the country has a median age of 39.1 years (2025 est.). The islands maintain a growth rate of 0.53% and a birth rate of 11.58 births per 1,000 population, indicative of its demographic trends.

• 55,434: Estimated total population (2025 est.)
• 19.2%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years (2025 est.)
• 31.1%: Urban population as of 2023
• 77.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 3.09: Number of physicians per 1,000 population (2018)
• 74: Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births (2023 est.)
• 1.76: Total fertility rate (children born per woman in 2025)

Economy

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is categorized as a high-income, tourism-driven market with a significant offshore financial sector contributing to its growth. In 2024, the nominal GDP is estimated at $1.067 billion, with a per capita income of approximately $31,300. The main sectors include services (65.5% of GDP), industry (21.1%), and agriculture (1.3%).

• $1.067 billion: Nominal GDP (2024 est.)
• 4.3%: Real GDP growth rate (2023 est.)
• $31,300: GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• 15%: Central government tax revenue as a percentage of GDP (2020 est.)
• $504.391 million: Total exports (2024 est.)
• $642.934 million: Total imports (2024 est.)
• 3.4%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under the Commonwealth realm, recognizing King Charles III as head of state. The government is characterized by a unicameral National Assembly and a constitutional monarchy, with recent elections held in August 2022. The nation celebrates Independence Day on September 19, marking its liberation from British rule in 1983.

• 1983: Year of independence from the UK
• 16: Total seats in the National Assembly
• 31.3%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly (2022)
• 18: Minimum voting age for suffrage
• 2024: Next scheduled election year
• Governor General: Marcella Liburd (since February 2023)
• Prime Minister: Dr. Terrance Drew (since August 2022)

Military and Security

The St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF) comprises approximately 200 active personnel, equipped primarily for protection against territorial threats and assisting in local law enforcement. The nation is part of the Caribbean Regional Security System, enhancing its collaborative defense capabilities.

• 200: Estimated number of active military personnel (2024)
• 18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service
• SKNDF's primary missions include disaster relief and combating narcotics
• Lightly armed: Military equipment sourced from Belgium, the UK, and the US
• No conscription: Military service is voluntary
• Coast Guard: Part of the SKNDF
• RSS: Joined in 1984 for regional security cooperation

Energy

Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains a 100% electrification rate, with electricity generation primarily driven by fossil fuels (95% of installed capacity). The energy consumption per capita is around 81.454 million Btu as of 2023.

• 100%: Electrification rate of the population (2022 est.)
• 182.455 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 72,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 2,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
• 39.522 million kWh: Transmission/distribution losses (2023 est.)
• 2.3%: Share of solar in total installed electricity generation (2023 est.)
• 2.7%: Share of wind in total installed electricity generation (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation in Saint Kitts and Nevis is supported by two airports, a network of roads, and limited railways primarily for tourism. The country has a merchant marine fleet of 341 vessels, reflecting its connectivity and trade capacity.

• 2: Total number of airports (2025)
• 341: Number of vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
• 50 km: Length of the railway system (2008)
• 2: Number of ports (2024)
• 1: Heliport available for use (2025)
• 0: Large ports available for commercial use
• V4: Civil aircraft registration country code

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Saint Kitts and Nevis includes robust telephone and internet services, with a high penetration of mobile cellular subscriptions. Approximately 76% of the population has access to the internet.

• 56,600: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 76%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2022 est.)
• 33: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022 est.)
• 22,000: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 47: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022 est.)
• 16,000: Total fixed line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 2: National state-operated TV channels available for broadcasting

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,434	Estimated (2025 est.)
Area	261 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$1.067 billion	Estimated (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption Per Capita	81.454 million Btu/person	Estimated (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	11.58 births/1,000 population	Estimated (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Not provided
Life Expectancy	77.6 years	Estimated (2024 est.)