Historical Timeline
1498 (November 3, Wednesday): Christopher Columbus discovers Saint Vincent during his third voyage
1763 (March 10, Monday): British officially take control of Saint Vincent after the Treaty of Paris
1796 (May 14, Saturday): The British complete the expulsion of the native Carib people from Saint Vincent
1979 (October 27, Saturday): Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gains independence from the United Kingdom
1997 (November 12, Wednesday): Severe flooding causes damage to infrastructure and crops
2001 (April 5, Thursday): Mount Soufrière erupts, causing significant ash fall, landslides, and disruptions
2009 (October 8, Thursday): Tropical Storm Omar causes flooding and infrastructure damage
2010 (November 30, Tuesday): Heavy rainfall and flooding damage homes and roads across the country
2014 (April 10, Thursday): Another eruption of La Soufrière causes ash clouds that affect neighboring islands
2021 (April 9, Friday): La Soufrière volcano erupts violently, displacing thousands and causing widespread ash fallout
2022 (December 10, Saturday): Severe floods and landslides cause damage to infrastructure, particularly in rural areas
General Information
Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Caribbean Sea, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, located north of Trinidad and Tobago
Capital: Kingstown
Language: English
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Population: ~110,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
Topography
Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Caribbean Sea, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, located north of Trinidad and Tobago
Capital: Kingstown
Language: English
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Population: ~110,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly African descent, with some East Indian, European, and mixed heritage
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant and Roman Catholic)
Urban Population: ~30% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~10% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)
Culture
Famous For: Beautiful beaches, rich history, calypso music, and the annual Carnival
Cuisine: Saltfish, breadfruit, green figs, yams, and cassava
Arts: Calypso, reggae, local handicrafts, and folk dance
Sports: Cricket, football (soccer), athletics, and sailing
Economy
Economy Type: Service-based economy, with agriculture and tourism as significant contributors
GDP: Approx. $1.2 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (bananas, cocoa), tourism, fishing, and manufacturing
Key Exports: Bananas, cocoa, and fruits
Unemployment Rate: ~19% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Primarily tourism-driven economy, small-scale agriculture
Government
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (House of Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1979
Travel Attractions
Kingstown: Market Square, St. George’s Cathedral, botanical gardens
La Soufrière Volcano: Active volcano with hiking opportunities and dramatic views
Bequia: Famous for beaches, boat-building, and relaxed island atmosphere
Mustique: Exclusive island known for luxury resorts and private beaches
Young Island: A small island offering secluded beaches and water sports