Saint Kitts and Nevis

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – Caribbean Sea and part of the Leeward Islands, are situated about 400 km east of Puerto Rico.
• Currency symbol of Saint Kitts and Nevis –East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
• Capital City –Basseterre
• Official languages –English
• Population –52,441 (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+869 )
• Official website – Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Sugar processing, Tourism, Cotton
• Google Maps link – Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Where is it? – Part of the Leeward Islands, situated about 400 km east of Puerto Rico. 

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Saint Kitts and Nevis In Pictures

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Saint Kitts and Nevis History

• How did the country get its first name?– Saint Kitts was originally called Liamuiga by the Kalinago, the earliest known inhabitants of the island. 

• How did the country get its current name? – Christopher Columbus visited Saint Kitts on his second voyage in 1493 and found it inhabited by Carib people. He named it Saint Christopher for his patron saint. The name was shortened to Saint Kitts in 1623 by settlers from England under Sir Thomas Warner. Nevis was also sighted by Columbus in 1493. The island’s name derives from Columbus’s description of the clouds atop Nevis Peak as las nieves, or “the snows,” when he sighted the island. 

• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The pre-Arawakan people are unknown, although they are believed to have been settled around 3000 years ago. Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive in 1493.

• Who were the first Inhabitants? – The Arawak people were one of the earliest inhabitants, around 1000 BC. The pre-Arawakan people are unknown, although they are believed to have been settled around 3000 years ago.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – The United States recognized St. Christopher and Nevis (St. Kitts and Nevis since August 3, 1988) on September 19, 1983, the same day that country declared independence. Ambassador Milan D.
• Who was the first leader of the country? – Kennedy Simmonds was the first Prime minster of Saint kits and Nevis

Five Significant Events 

1. 19th September 1983: True to its jubilant nature, the day’s events are spontaneous, changing on a yearly basis. The one constant is Basseterre’s military parade; the country’s sitting Prime Minister delivers an annual Independence Day speech before kicking off a procession of uniformed personnel and marching bands. (Independence Day)
2. Nevis – St Kitts cross channel swim:  The swim distance is 2.5miles (4km) from Outlie Beach on Nevis across the ‘Narrows’ to finish at Cockleshell Beach on St Kitts. (https://www.juststkittsnevis.co.uk/about-stkittsnevis/special-events-public-holidays/)
3. Spice Fest: Spice Fest takes place at Spice Mill restaurant on Cockleshell Beach. An annual 3 night event featuring celebrity chefs, food, art and more. (https://www.juststkittsnevis.co.uk/about-stkittsnevis/special-events-public-holidays/)
4. St Kitts Golf Open: The St Kitts open is a two day, 36-hole individual stroke play tournament hosted by the Royal St Kitts Golf Club. (https://www.juststkittsnevis.co.uk/about-stkittsnevis/special-events-public-holidays/)
5. St Kitts Music Festival: The St. Kitts Music Festival is a festival of popular music held annually in June on the Caribbean islands of St. (https://www.juststkittsnevis.co.uk/about-stkittsnevis/special-events-public-holidays/)

Five Places to Visit in Saint Kitts and Nevis

1. SCENIC RAILWAY TOUR: The prettiest way to experience St. Kitts is a ride on the old sugar train, now transformed into a charming Scenic Railway Tour. (https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities)
2. WALKING TOUR OF HISTORICAL BASSETERRE: Don’t miss the national museum in the Old Treasury building located in downtown Basseterre.  (https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities)
3. VISIT BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS AND NATIONAL PARK: Head to the hills and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas from this imposing military fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing 17th-18th-century military architecture. (https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities)
4. ZIPLINE THE LUSH RAINFORESTS: Friendly and professional zip line staff guide you through a total of five lines up to 1350 ft. long that offer breathtaking views as you soar through a tropical rainforest. (https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities)
5. HIKE UP MT. LIAMUIGA: While most rain forests on earth are disappearing, the rainforest in St. Kitts is actually growing, thanks to old sugar plantations now being reclaimed. (https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities)

References –

• https://pixabay.com/images/search/saint%20kitts%20and%20nevis/
• https://www.google.com/search?q=royalty+free+picture+of+Saint+Kitts+and+Nevis+capital+&tbm=isch&ved
• https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/saint_kitts_nevis.
• https://www.google.com/search?q=population+of+saint+kitts+and+nevis&oq
• https://www.google.com/search?q=country+dialing+code+of+saint+kitts+and+nevis&oq
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20032548
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis/History
• https://www.google.com/search?q=%E2%80%A2+Who+were+the+first+Inhabitants
• https://www.juststkittsnevis.co.uk/about-stkittsnevis/special-events-public-holidays/
• https://www.stkittstourism.kn/activities