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National Flag
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Airport
Robert L Bradshaw International (SKB) | Annual Rainfall
55 inches | Area
68 sq miles | Area Code
869 | Banks
Monday-Thursday 8am-2pm/Friday 8am-4pm
| Capital City
Basseterre | Co-ordinates
17 20'N, 62 45'W | Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)/US$ widely accepted
| Departure Tax
EC$54 | Dimensions
14 miles x 5 miles
| Dress
Casual but smart, elegantly casual at night, swimwear at the beach, nudity
illegal
| Driving
On the left, permit required, EC$50 | Electricity
220V/60 cycle (110V in most hotels) | Exchange Rate
EC$2.67 - US$1.00 | Highest Point
Mount Liamuiga (3792 feet) | Language
English | Medical
Emergency phone 911
| Population
31 515 | Public Transport
Minibuses - agree fare at the beginning of your trip, ferry/air taxi between the
islands
| Shopping
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm/Saturday 8am-1pm
| Taxis
Widely available, yellow number plate with a "T"
| Telecommunications
Phone cards, internet access | Temperature
Average 74F | Time
Atlantic Standard | Tipping
10% usually included
| Water
Potable, bottled available |
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History
The islands of St Kitts and Nevis are two of the Caribbean's oldest colonised territories. St Kitts (then St Christopher) became the first British colony in the West Indies in 1624, and then became the first French colony in the region in 1625. Five thousand years prior, the island was settled by Neo-Indian people. The Kalinago arrived approximately 300 years before the Europeans, and they were eventually wiped out in 1626. St Kitts then became the main base for British and French expansion in the Caribbean. The breathtaking Brimstone Hill Fortress is a World Heritage Site and not to be missed. St Kitts & Nevis gained independence from the United Kingdom on 19th September 1983.
Geography
The country has two main islands, St Kitts and Nevis. St Kitts is of volcanic origin, and its large central peaks are covered in tropical rainforest, the highest of which is Mount Liamuiga at 1156 metres. The majority of the population live in the coastal areas. There are several rivers which provide inhabitants with fresh water. St Kitts also has one small lake and several salt ponds that attract a variety of birds. St Kitts is in the hurricane belt and has been subjected to direct hits over the years.
Economy
The economy of St Kitts is driven by tourism, agriculture and light manufacturing industries. Sugar was the main industry from the 1640s, but this was closed down in 2005. Former sugar plantations still dominate the landscape, and several have been turned into exclusive hotels. St Kitts has also developed a successful apparel assembly industry and a large electronics assembly industry.
Religion
There are a number of different churches on St Kitts. The predominant religion is Christianity, however, there are also small Rastafarian, Orthodox and other communities.
Language
English is the official language.
Sport
The most popular sport on St Kitts is cricket, but the island has also produced notable athletes such as Kim Collins was the 100 metres world champion. There is also a successful national football team. Hiking is a very popular activity on the island. Notable scuba diving and snorkeling sites include Booby Island, Coconut Tree Reef, Monkey Reef, Nags Head and Redonda Bank, to name a few.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport and return ticket are required. Visitors from some countries require a visa. Access to St Kitts is provided by some international airlines, via Antigua , via Puerto Rico and via St Maarten. There are regular services provided within the region to neighbouring islands. |
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