The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis also known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is located in the Leeward Islands and is a federal two-island state in West Indies. St. Kitts is larger than Nevis and is roughly oval shaped except for a narrow, long peninsula to the southeast. Nevis is surrounded by coral reefs and a single mountain, whereas the centre of both the islands is dominated by volcanic mountain chain. It is also considered as the mother colony of West Indies. ‘Basseterre’ is the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis.
St. Kitts and Nevis is twin-island federation whose economy is characterized by its dominant tourism, agriculture and light manufacturing industries. Mostly, the coastal families living there maintain small gardens and poultry to round out the menu helping, but most of the people purchase their daily goods from the general stores itself as the most of the goods are imported and expensive. The income that results from production of sugar is among the significant part of the total income of the people of St. Kitts. Both the islands produce a wide range of agricultural products for exports. Nevis has a small stock of cattle which is exported. Both islands have industries that assemble electronic goods which are again exported. The main exports of the country include tobacco, beverages, cotton, and electronics. The most important and biggest element helping it in its economy is clearly tourism which generates more than 50% of the national revenue.
The island of St. Kitts and Nevis offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. The perfect sandy beaches and warm clear waters surround a treasure of historic sites, exhilarating music and colours. It is famous for its musical celebrations including the Carnival that happens every year, officially for a period of 10 days. Starting from 24 December the traditions begin with Calypso King and Queen Competition, the Miss St. Kitts beauty and talent pageant, the Caribbean Queen show, following with various nights of youth and talent contests. The last week of June features the St. Kitts Music Festival along with Nevis Culture that offers parade of costumed troupes, arts and crafts with talents shows and local food fair for the people. Besides this there are events happening year round including Fishing tournaments, Caribbean Cup fir the multi-island bicycle race.
St. Kitts and Nevis produces some of the richest fruits and vegetables in the Caribbean due to its rich volcanic soil and fertile coastline. The fruits include mangoes, papayas, and bananas. Roti, conch fritters, fish cakes, spiny lobsters, crab back, pelau and conch are among the popular dishes served and consumed by the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Beverages include coffees, and fruit juices which are popular among the people there. The dishes here offer a different and a spicy combination of unusual flavours. In addition to the staples like rice and beans, the island is also known for ‘goat water’ a stew generally made from the bones and meats of goats.
The official language of the people in St. Kitts and Nevis is English, but a small number of people still speak St. Kitts Creole which is a Caribbean Creole language with it roots originating from the slave populations brought to the island from West Africa during the 17th century.
The people residing in the islands are highly religious. About 95% of the islanders are ‘Protestants’, mainly ‘Anglican’ and ‘Methodist’. But virtually all of them identify them as Christians. The remaining people belong to other Christian denominations, though there are some ‘Rastafarians’ and ‘Baha’ followers as well.
Cricket is the most commonly played sport in St. Kitts and Nevis and the top players here have contributed to the West Indies cricket team. St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country on earth to host a World Cup event; it was one of the host venues of the 2007 seven Cricket World Cup. International success is achieved in the field of football as well by the St. Kitts and Nevis national football team, popularly known as the ‘Sugar Boys’. ‘Kim Collins’, an ace field athlete has won gold medals at both ‘World Championships’ in Athletics and Common Wealth games and has contributed in the fields of sports for his country.