Country Profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an upper middle-income Caribbean island nation located in the Lesser Antilles. It has a population of approximately 100,647 people, predominantly of African descent, with English as the official language. The economy is largely agricultural, focusing on crops like bananas and root vegetables, complemented by a burgeoning tourism sector. Governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the head of state.

Geography

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is situated in the Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The country's total land area is 389 square kilometers, characterized by volcanic and mountainous terrain and an 84-kilometer coastline. The tropical climate exhibits little seasonal temperature variation, with a rainy season from May to November.

389 sq km: Total area of the country.
1,234 m: Highest point is La Soufrière volcano.
84 km: Length of the coastline.
73.2%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023).

People and Society

The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is estimated at 100,647 in 2024, with a slight male majority. Approximately 54.3% of the population lives in urban areas, primarily concentrated around the capital, Kingstown. The country has a diverse ethnic composition, with the majority being of African descent, and a high proficiency in English alongside local dialects.

11.9 births/1,000: Birth rate in 2024.
77.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
18.8%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14.
68.2%: Percentage of the population aged 15-64.

Economy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines features a diverse economy heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. In 2024, the real GDP, adjusted for purchasing power parity, is projected to be approximately $1.883 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 4.1%. The agricultural sector contributes significantly to the economy, despite facing challenges from environmental factors.

$18,700: Real GDP per capita (2024).
66.4%: Share of services in GDP (2024).
18.1%: Unemployment rate (2024).
8.2% of GDP: Share of remittances (2024).

Government

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the ceremonial head of state. The government comprises a unicameral legislature called the House of Assembly and an executive headed by the Prime Minister. The country's constitution, effective since October 27, 1979, provides for universal suffrage at the age of 18.

27 October 1979: Date of independence from the UK.
22: Number of seats in the House of Assembly.
21.7%: Proportion of women in the legislature.
5 years: Term length for representatives in the House of Assembly.

Military and Security

The country does not maintain regular military forces and relies on the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for national security. This police force has been a part of the Caribbean Regional Security System since 1982, cooperating with other signatory nations to address regional security challenges.

1982: Year of establishment of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS).

Energy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts a fully electrified population, with 100% access to electricity as of 2022. The energy mix is primarily based on fossil fuels, although there is some contribution from hydroelectric sources. The total installed electricity generation capacity is 55,000 kW.

55,000 kW: Total installed generating capacity (2023).
86.1%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
140.316 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).

Environment

The country faces various environmental issues, including pollution of coastal waters, deforestation, and challenges related to land-use planning. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has signed several international environmental agreements, including the Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol and the Climate Change-Paris Agreement.

73.2%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023).
31,600 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
13.3%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is served by five airports and a single main port located in Kingstown. The country has a merchant marine fleet that includes a variety of vessel types, emphasizing its maritime economy.

5: Number of airports (2025).
830: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).
1: Key port in Kingstown (2024).

Communications

The country has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high percentage of the population using mobile and fixed-line telephony. Internet access is prevalent, with about 76% of the population online as of 2023.

76%: Percentage of internet users (2023).
103,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
10,000: Total fixed line subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	100,647 (2024 est.)
Area	389 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$1.883 billion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$18,700	Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	18.1%	Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
Birth rate	11.9 births/1,000	Birth rate (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	77.2 years	Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Electricity access	100%	Electrification of the population (2022 est.)
Total energy consumption	37.253 million Btu/person	Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated	31,600 tons	Annual municipal solid waste generation (2024 est.)