Country Profile: Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small Caribbean nation composed of two volcanic islands, situated approximately one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. With a population of around 55,434 (2025 est.), the country is characterized by a rich history influenced by British and French colonization, achieving independence in 1983. The economy relies heavily on tourism and has been transitioning towards a growing offshore financial and telecommunications sector. Governed as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, it is a member of both CARICOM and the OECS.

Geography

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere by both area and population, encompassing a total land area of 261 sq km. The islands are separated by a narrow channel known as The Narrows, with Saint Kitts featuring volcanic terrain and the highest point being Mount Liamuiga at 1,156 meters. The climate is tropical, influenced by constant sea breezes, with a distinct rainy season from May to November.

Coastline: 135 km
Elevation: Highest point 1,156 m
Natural resources: Limited arable land
Land use: 23.1% of land for agriculture (2023 est.)
Forested area: 42.3% of land (2023 est.)

People and Society

The estimated population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is 55,434 (2025 est.), with a median age of 39.1 years. The population is predominantly of African descent (92.5%), and English is the official language. The country shows significant urbanization, with 31.1% of the population residing in urban areas. Health indicators are generally positive, including a life expectancy of 77.6 years (2024 est.).

Birth rate: 11.58 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate: 7.43 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Obesity prevalence: 22.9% among adults (2016)
Health expenditure: 6.2% of GDP (2021)

Economy

Saint Kitts and Nevis enjoys a high-income economy primarily driven by tourism, alongside a growing offshore financial and telecommunications sector. The country's real GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $1.465 billion for 2024, with a per capita GDP of $31,300. The economy is characterized by significant reliance on imports, with a current account balance expected at -$169.221 million in 2024.

GDP growth rate: 4.3% (2023 est.)
Exports: $504.39 million (2024 est.)
Imports: $642.93 million (2024 est.)
Public debt: 62.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Remittances: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a legal system based on English common law. The Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, has been in office since August 2022. The National Assembly, which consists of 16 seats, is unicameral. Citizens have the right to vote at 18 years of age.

Independence: Achieved on 19 September 1983
Suffrage: Universal, 18 years and older
Next election expected: October 2027
Executive branch: Headed by King Charles III, represented by Governor General Marcella Liburd
National holiday: Independence Day, 19 September

Military and Security

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF) includes a regular force, coast guard, reserve force, and cadet force. The military is lightly armed and primarily assists in maintaining national security and supporting police operations. There is no conscription, and voluntary military service begins at 18 years.

Active personnel: Approximately 200 (2024)
Military service age: 18 years (voluntary)
Regional role: Member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS)
Equipment origins: Acquired from Belgium, the UK, and the US

Energy

Saint Kitts and Nevis has achieved full electrification, with an installed electricity generation capacity of 72,000 kW. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for power, which constitutes 95% of total capacity.

Electricity consumption: 182.455 million kWh (2023 est.)
Petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita: 81.454 million Btu (2023 est.)

Environment

Saint Kitts and Nevis faces environmental challenges including deforestation and water pollution. The nation is a signatory to several international environmental agreements, including those addressing climate change and biodiversity.

Total carbon dioxide emissions: 269,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Land use: 23.1% agricultural land (2023 est.)
Urban population: 31.1% of total population (2023 est.)

Transportation

The country has two airports and a limited railway system primarily for tourism. Merchant marine includes 341 vessels, covering various types, with key ports at Basseterre and Charlestown.

Airports: 2 (2025)
Heliports: 1 (2025)
Railways: 50 km (2008)
Ports: 2 (2024)

Communications

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high mobile subscription rate. A national state-operated TV network and several radio stations serve the population.

Mobile subscriptions: 56,600 (2023)
Internet users: 76% of the population (2022 est.)
Broadband subscriptions: 22,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	55,434 (2025 est.)
Area	261 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.465 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	81.454 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth rate	11.58 births/1,000 people	(2025 est.)
Unemployment	Not specified
Life expectancy	77.6 years (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	1.76 children/woman (2025)