St. Kitts (St. Christopher) is a tropical island located in the mid Leeward Islands, in the northern section of the eastern Caribbean, just 2 miles from its sister island Nevis, 19 degrees north of the equator. It is 23 miles long and spans 69 square miles. As such, it takes less than two hours to drive around the whole island.
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Activities |
Scuba Diving |
Snorkeling |
Eco-Tourism |
Hikes/Climbing |
ATV Tours |
Scenic Train |
Nature Safaris |
Water Sports |
Dining |
Beaches |
Horseback Riding |
Island Hopping |
Yacht/Boat Rentals |
World Class Casinos |
World Class Golf |
Carnivals |
Street Parties |
Plantation Inns |
Deep Sea Fishing |
The island was first discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage, by whom it was given its name. St. Kitts became Britain's first colony in the West Indies when a settlement was formed in 1623
In 1983, St. Kitts gained its independence from Britain and formed a twin island federation with its sister island, Nevis, within the British Commonwealth. However, without doubt, this is a country that is now shaping its own identity and destiny.
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Heritage/Natural Wonders |
Fort Brimstone, an UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Mt. Liamuiga, at nearly 4000 feet |
Black Rocks |
Excellent Colonial Architecture |
Preserved Churches |
Bird Watching |
Since
independence the country has been confidently and successfully determining new
directions and meeting new challenges. According to the World Bank Group
publications, St. Kitts and Nevis has achieved the highest growth rate
throughout the Caribbean and Latin American regions in recent times. The per
capita income is the fourth highest in the Caribbean and Latin American region,
just under 12,000 $US (UNDP website).
Furthermore, the country is in the top 25%
of the Human Development Index, or third in the whole Caribbean region. Under the Leadership of a
stable, peaceful, and democratic government, private
sector investment has become a priority.
Today 35,000 people live on St. Kitts and another 9000 on Nevis in peace and prosperity.
Facts About St. Kitts & Nevis
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Capital |
Basseterre |
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Area |
104 sq. miles (270 sq. km) |
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Population |
44,000 |
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Language |
English |
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Time |
Atlantic standard time throughout the year |
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Climate |
Tropical. Temperatures average 81°F/27°C with a steady cool breeze brought by the Trade Winds throughout the year |
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Currency |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
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Exchange Rate |
US $1.00=EC $2.70 |
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Banking Services |
The following banks have offices in St. Kitts:St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank Ltd.Development Bank of St. KittsFirst Caribbean International Bank(a joint venture of Barclays Bank (UK) and CIBC (Canada)Bank of Nova ScotiaRoyal Bank of CanadaCaribbean Banking CorporationBank of NevisNotes: -All banks hold deposits in US$ as well as EC$.-Currency exchange services are offered by most banksSt. Kitts is also the home of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC), the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Depository (ECCSD) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Registry (ECCSR) |
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Telecommunications |
St. Kitts has an excellent, state of the are telecommunication facilities provided by Cable and Wireless, with AT&T to enter soon. |
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Transport |
Air Transport:The new Robert L. Bradshaw International airport is equipped to handle wide body commercial jets. International and regional airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights to St. Kitts. Direct flights now operate between St. Kitts and New York, Philadelphia and London. Please refer to our Links page for more information.Shipping and Cruises:The deepwater port can accommodate continental, European and North American shipping lines. Cruise ships are also accommodated at the deep water port, and also at our new Port Zante facilities. |
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Entry Requirements |
European Union, US and Canadian do not need visas for stays up to one month with a return ticket. Other nationals are advised to check with the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis or one of the St. Kitts Travel Department Outposts. |
| Travel Information |
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet on St. Kitts & Nevis |
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Education |
The World Bank has awarded the education system a very high ranking. St Kitts/Nevis has a 98% literacy rate and the examination pass rates (as well as results) are amongst the highest in the Caribbean. |
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Economy |
St. Kitts boasts a diversified economy, with the largest sections being tourism, agriculture, services, and light manufacturing. |
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Distance from |
St. Maarten- 60 milesPuerto Rico- 220 milesMiami- 1250 milesNew York- 1500 milesLondon- 4000 miles |
[Click on the Picture for a Detailed Map]
