Country Profile: Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere both in area and population, is located in the Caribbean Sea. This federation of two volcanic islands boasts a rich history marked by its early colonial significance in sugar trade and eventual independence from the UK in 1983. The economy is primarily tourism-driven, complemented by a growing offshore financial sector. Governed as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, the nation is characterized by a diverse society and a unique citizenship-driven growth model.

Geography

Saint Kitts and Nevis is located about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago, consisting of two volcanic islands separated by a 3-km-wide channel known as The Narrows. The islands cover a total area of 261 square kilometers, featuring mountainous interiors and a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to November.

• 135 km: Total coastline.
• 1,156 m: Highest point, Mount Liamuiga.
• 42.3%: Forest cover (2022 est.).
• 23.1%: Agricultural land (2022 est.).
• 0 km: Land boundaries.
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claims.

People and Society

As of 2024, the population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is approximately 55,133, with a near balance between males and females. The predominant ethnic group is of African descent, constituting 92.5% of the population. English is the official language, and the society is largely Protestant, with a variety of religious beliefs present.

• 38.6 years: Median age (2024 est.).
• 77.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• 11.8 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
• 68.1%: Population aged 15-64 years.
• 31.1%: Urban population (2023).
• 46.9: Total dependency ratio (2024 est.).

Economy

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is classified as high-income and is heavily reliant on tourism, which constitutes a significant portion of its GDP. In addition, the country has developed a growing offshore financial sector. Economic growth has been supported by various sectors, including industry and services.

• $1.465 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
• 1.2%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.).
• $31,300: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
• 65.5%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.).
• 3.4%: Remittances as a share of GDP (2024 est.).
• $642.934 million: Imports in 2024.

Government

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is King Charles III, represented by a Governor General, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The nation has a unicameral legislature called the National Assembly.

• 1983: Year of independence from the UK.
• 16: Total seats in the National Assembly.
• 5 years: Term length for members of the National Assembly.
• 31.3%: Percentage of women in legislative positions.
• 18 years: Voting age established.

Military and Security

The security of Saint Kitts and Nevis is managed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force, which includes a Regular Force and Coast Guard. The country maintains a small active military presence for protective duties and regional cooperation within the Caribbean.

• 200: Estimated active military personnel (2024).
• 18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
• SKNDF: Engages in humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
• Caribbean Regional Security System: Provides regional support and cooperation.

Energy

Saint Kitts and Nevis has achieved 100% electrification for its population. The energy sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, with a small share of renewable sources contributing to electricity generation.

• 72,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
• 182.455 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.).
• 95%: Share of fossil fuels in total energy capacity (2023 est.).
• 2,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

Environmental concerns for Saint Kitts and Nevis include deforestation and water pollution, which adversely affect marine life and coral reefs. The country participates in several international environmental agreements to address these issues.

• 24 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
• 8 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).
• 32,900 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generation (2024 est.).

Transportation

Saint Kitts and Nevis features a modest transportation infrastructure with two airports, a narrow-gauge railway primarily for tourists, and a merchant marine fleet that supports trade and tourism.

• 2: Total airports (2025).
• 341: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
• 50 km: Total railway length (2008).

Communications

Communications in Saint Kitts and Nevis are well-supported with a mix of fixed line and mobile subscriptions. Internet access is also prevalent, with a significant portion of the population connected.

• 76%: Percentage of the population with internet access (2022 est.).
• 56,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• 22,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,133 (2024 est.)
Area	261 sq km	Total area of Saint Kitts and Nevis
GDP (PPP)	$1.465 billion (2024 est.)
Electricity access	100%	Total population electrified (2022 est.)
Birth rate	11.8 births/1,000 population	2024 est.
Life expectancy	77.6 years	2024 est.
Urban population	31.1%	2023
Public debt	62.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Total dependency ratio	46.9	2024 est.
Remittances	3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)