A thriving, vibrant economy with a per capita GDP of $31,000, St.
Kitts & Nevis is an island paradise with warm tropical climates
with mild rainfall, and moderate temperatures
The capital is Basseterre. St. Kitts & Nevis runs on UTC -4 Time,
and the currency is East Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Citizens are
referred to Kittitian(s) or Nevisian(s). St. Kitts, the larger of
the two islands, covers a land mass of 68 square miles and is home
to the capital city of Basseterre. Nevis, which lies just two
miles southeast through a shallow channel called “The Narrows,”
has a land mass of 36 square miles. Together they form the
smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, both in area
and population, with a combined land mass of 104 square miles and
a population of 55,000. St. Kitts & Nevis remained under British
colonial rule until 1983, when the federation was established as
an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The
official language is English, which is spoken with a charming
Caribbean accent and includes many unique and colourful
expressions. The islands are known for a number of lively
festivals and musical celebrations, including Carnival (Dec.
18-Jan. 3 on St. Kitts) and Culturama on Nevis from late July to
early August.