Difference between revisions of "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | {{ | + | {{Ebcompleted}}{{Approved}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Paid}}{{copyedited}}{{2Copyedited}} |
| − | {{Infobox | + | {{Infobox country |
| − | | | + | |conventional_long_name = Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
|common_name = Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | |common_name = Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | ||
|image_flag = Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg | |image_flag = Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg | ||
| − | |image_coat = | + | |image_coat = Coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg |
|image_map = LocationSaintVincentAndTheGrenadines.png | |image_map = LocationSaintVincentAndTheGrenadines.png | ||
| − | |national_motto = '' | + | |national_motto = ''Pax et justitia''{{Spaces|2}}<small>([[Latin]])<br/>"Peace and justice"</small> |
| − | |national_anthem = | + | |national_anthem = "[[Saint Vincent Land so Beautiful]]" |
|official_languages = [[English language|English]] | |official_languages = [[English language|English]] | ||
| + | |demonym = Vincentian | ||
|capital = [[Kingstown]] | |capital = [[Kingstown]] | ||
|latd=13 |latm=10 |latNS=N |longd=61 |longm=14 |longEW=W | |latd=13 |latm=10 |latNS=N |longd=61 |longm=14 |longEW=W | ||
|largest_city = capital | |largest_city = capital | ||
| − | |government_type | + | | government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[constitutional monarchy]] |
| − | |leader_title1 | + | | leader_title1 = [[Monarchy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|Monarch]] |
| − | |leader_name1 | + | | leader_name1 = [[Charles III]] |
| − | |leader_title2 | + | | leader_title2 = {{nowrap|[[Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|Governor-General]]}} |
| − | |leader_name2 | + | | leader_name2 = [[Susan Dougan]] |
| − | |leader_title3 | + | | leader_title3 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|Prime Minister]] |
| − | |leader_name3 | + | | leader_name3 = [[Ralph Gonsalves]] |
| − | |sovereignty_type | + | | sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
| − | |established_event1 | + | | established_event1 = [[Associated Statehood Act 1967|Associated State]] |
| − | | | + | | established_date1 = October 27, 1969 |
| − | |area_rank = | + | | established_event2 = from the [[United Kingdom]] |
| − | |area_magnitude = | + | | established_date2 = October 27, 1979 |
| − | | | + | |area_rank = 198th |
| − | | | + | |area_magnitude = |
| + | |area_km2 = 389 | ||
| + | |area_sq_mi = | ||
|percent_water = negligible | |percent_water = negligible | ||
| − | |population_estimate = | + | |population_estimate = 100,969<ref name=CIAPeople>Central Intelligence Agency, [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines/#people-and-society St Vincent and the Grenadines People and Society] ''The World Factbook''. Retrieved November 6, 2022.</ref> |
| − | |population_estimate_rank = | + | |population_estimate_rank = 195th |
| − | |population_estimate_year = | + | |population_estimate_year = 2022 |
| − | |population_census | + | | population_census = 100,455 |
| − | |population_census_year = | + | | population_census_year = 2021 |
| − | | | + | | population_density_km2 = 307 |
| − | | | + | | population_density_sq_mi = 792 |
| − | |population_density_rank = 39th | + | | population_density_rank = 39th |
| − | |GDP_PPP | + | | GDP_PPP = $1.373 billion |
| − | + | | GDP_PPP_year = 2019 | |
| − | |GDP_PPP_year | + | | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $12,431<ref name="IMF">[https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/SPROLLS/world-economic-outlook-databases#sort=%40imfdate%20descending World Economic Outlook Database] ''International Monetary Fund''. Retrieved November 6, 2022.</ref> |
| − | |GDP_PPP_per_capita | + | | GDP_nominal = $864 million |
| − | + | | GDP_nominal_year = 2019 | |
| − | + | | GDP_nominal_per_capita = $7,827<ref name="IMF" /> | |
| − | | | ||
| − | | | ||
| − | | | ||
|currency = [[East Caribbean dollar]] | |currency = [[East Caribbean dollar]] | ||
|currency_code = XCD | |currency_code = XCD | ||
| − | |time_zone = | + | |time_zone = |
|utc_offset = -4 | |utc_offset = -4 | ||
| − | |time_zone_DST = | + | |time_zone_DST = |
| − | |utc_offset_DST = | + | |utc_offset_DST = |
| + | |drives_on = left | ||
|cctld = [[.vc]] | |cctld = [[.vc]] | ||
| − | |calling_code = 1-784 | + | |calling_code = [[+1-784]] |
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Saint Vincent and the Grenadines''' is an island | + | '''Saint Vincent and the Grenadines''' is an island nation in the [[Windward Islands]] of the [[Lesser Antilles]], an island arc of the [[Caribbean Sea]] in [[North America]]. The country consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and the northern two-thirds of the Grenadines, a chain of small islands stretching south from Saint Vincent to [[Grenada]]. It occupies a total area of approximately 150 square miles (389 square kilometers), of which the island of Saint Vincent constitutes 133 square miles (344 sq km). The country's capital is at [[Kingstown]] on Saint Vincent. The country has a [[British Empire|British]] colonial history and is now part of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] and [[Caribbean Community|CARICOM]]. |
| − | + | The islands' proximity to [[South America]] has influenced its culture, as has its [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|native peoples]], [[India|East Indians]], [[Africa|Africans]], and the [[Great Britain|British]] who settled the islands. | |
| + | {{toc}} | ||
| + | Similar to other Caribbean islands, it has a history of being ravaged by [[hurricane]]s. It is also home to an active [[volcano]], the ''Soufriere''. However, also similar to other islands in the area is its paradise-like environment, home to diverse ecosystems and resplendent with landscapes of brilliant flora and beautiful, crystal clear waters. Though the islands' history involved [[slavery]] and servitude as well as European [[colonialism]], today's inhabitants focus not on past injustices, but on the richness described in the old Carib name, ''Land of the Blessed''. | ||
| + | == Geography == | ||
| + | What is now St. Vincent and the Grenadines was known by the Carib people as ''Hairoun,'' meaning "Land of the Blessed," for its lush mountains, rich soil, and marine resources. The environment provided richly for these [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|native peoples]]. | ||
| − | + | The islands are home to the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, which contain rare and exotic [[flower]]s, [[plant]]s, and [[tree]]s. Founded in 1762, the gardens began as a commercial enterprise for plants brought from around the world. An [[aviary]] offers home to a number of [[bird]] species, including the national bird, the majestically colored [[St. Vincent parrot]] ''(Amazona guildingii)''. | |
| − | The | ||
| − | + | ===Islands=== | |
| + | The main island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is '''Saint Vincent.''' Its geography is mostly [[volcano|volcanic]] and mountainous and includes very little level ground. There is a large difference between the coastlines on each side of the island; the windward side is very rocky, while the leeward side consists of many sandy beaches and has many more bays. The island's, as well as the country's, highest peak is the volcano Soufrière at 4,048 feet, and its lowest point is at sea level. There are several tiny islets offshore of Saint Vincent, including Young Island and the Cow And Calves Islands. | ||
| + | In addition to Saint Vincent, major islands in the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the northern '''Grenadines''' including (from north to south) the islands of: | ||
| + | [[Image:Vc-map.png|thumb|350px|Map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]] | ||
| + | [[Image:St. Vincent Parrot.jpg|300px|thumb|St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona Guildingii)]] | ||
* Bequia | * Bequia | ||
* Petite Nevis | * Petite Nevis | ||
| Line 80: | Line 88: | ||
* Palm Island | * Palm Island | ||
| − | Saint Vincent and the | + | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also include hundreds of smaller islets. The remainder of the Grenadines to the south are administered by [[Grenada]]. |
===Area and boundaries=== | ===Area and boundaries=== | ||
| − | [[ | + | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are located in the [[Caribbean Sea]] just north of [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and east of [[Central America]]. Geographically, it rests at {{coor dm|13|15|N|61|12|W|type:country}} and is twice the size of the city of [[Washington, D.C.]] The islands encompass 241 square miles of land area and 52 miles of coastline. Its maritime claims are 24 nautical miles in a contiguous zone, 200 nautical miles in continental shelf and exclusive economic zones, and 12 nautical miles of territorial sea. The islands have a tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation, and a rainy season that runs from May to November. |
| + | ===Resources and land use=== | ||
| + | [[Natural resource]]s of the islands include hydropower and cropland. | ||
| − | + | Natural threats are [[hurricane]]s and the Soufriere [[volcano]] is a constant natural hazard. Current environmental issues include the pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents. In some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive. | |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | == History == | ||
| + | [[Image:Soufriere.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Volcanic [[Soufrière (volcano)|Soufrière]] (1,234 m), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines highest point.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Port Elizabeth, Bequia.jpg|thumb|400px|Port Elizabeth, Bequia.]] | ||
| + | [[Carib]] Indians aggressively prevented [[European]] settlement on St. Vincent until the eithteenth century. Enslaved [[Africa]]ns—whether shipwrecked or escaped from [[Barbados]], [[St. Lucia]], and [[Grenada]], and seeking refuge in mainland St. Vincent—intermarried with the Caribs and became known as Garifuna or "Black Caribs." | ||
| − | + | Beginning in 1719, [[France|French]] settlers cultivated [[coffee]], [[tobacco]], [[indigo]], [[cotton]], and [[sugar]] on plantations worked by enslaved Africans. In 1763, St. Vincent was ceded to [[Great Britain]]. Restored to French rule in 1779, St. Vincent was regained by the British under the [[Treaty of Paris (1783)]], in which Great Britain officially recognized the end of the [[American Revolution]]. Ancillary treaties were also signed with France and [[Spain]], known as the Treaties of Versailles of 1783, part of which returned St. Vincent to British control. | |
| − | + | Conflict between the British and the Black Caribs, led by defiant Paramount Chief [[Joseph Chatoyer]], continued until 1796, when General Sir [[Ralph Abercromby]] crushed a revolt fomented by the French radical [[Victor Hugues]]. More than 5,000 Black Caribs were eventually deported to [[Roatán]], an island off the coast of [[Honduras]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | Conflict between the British and the Black Caribs, led by defiant Paramount Chief [[Joseph Chatoyer]], continued until 1796, when General Sir [[Ralph Abercromby]] crushed a revolt fomented by the French radical Victor Hugues. More than 5,000 Black Caribs were eventually deported to [[Roatán]], an island off the coast of [[Honduras]]. | ||
| − | + | [[Slavery]] was abolished in 1834. The resulting labor shortages on the plantations attracted Portuguese from [[Madeira]] in the 1840s, and shiploads of East Indian indentured laborers arrived between 1861-1880. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the turn of the century. | |
From 1763 until independence, St. Vincent passed through various stages of colonial status under the British. A representative assembly was authorized in 1776, Crown Colony government installed in 1877, a legislative council created in 1925, and universal adult suffrage granted in 1951. | From 1763 until independence, St. Vincent passed through various stages of colonial status under the British. A representative assembly was authorized in 1776, Crown Colony government installed in 1877, a legislative council created in 1925, and universal adult suffrage granted in 1951. | ||
| − | During this period, the British made several unsuccessful attempts to affiliate St. Vincent with other Windward Islands in order to govern the region through a unified administration. The colonies themselves, desirous of freedom from British rule, made a notable attempt at unification called [[West Indies Federation]], which collapsed in 1962. St. Vincent was granted associate statehood status on October | + | During this period, the British made several unsuccessful attempts to affiliate St. Vincent with other [[Windward Islands]] in order to govern the region through a unified administration. The colonies themselves, desirous of freedom from British rule, made a notable attempt at unification called [[West Indies Federation]], which collapsed in 1962. St. Vincent was granted associate statehood status on October 27, 1969, giving it complete control over its internal affairs. Following a referendum in 1979, under Milton Cato, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the last of the Windward Islands to gain independence, on the 10th anniversary of its associate statehood status, October 27, 1979. |
| − | Natural disasters have featured in the country's history. In 1902, | + | Natural disasters have featured in the country's history. In 1902, La Soufrière volcano erupted, killing 2,000 people. Much farmland was damaged, and the economy devastated. In April 1979, La Soufrière erupted again. Although no one was killed, thousands had to be evacuated, and there was extensive agricultural damage. In 1980 and 1987, hurricanes compromised banana and coconut plantations; 1998 and 1999 also saw very active hurricane seasons, with [[Hurricane Lenny]] in 1999, causing extensive damage to the west coast of the island. |
== Politics == | == Politics == | ||
| − | [[Image:Flag of the OECS.svg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Flag of the OECS.svg|thumb|right|400px|[[Flag of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a full member of the OECS.]].]] |
| − | Politics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes place in the framework of an independent [[parliamentary democracy|parliamentary democratic]] [[Commonwealth Realm]] with | + | Politics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes place in the framework of an independent [[parliamentary democracy|parliamentary democratic]] [[Commonwealth Realm]], with King [[Charles III]] as its [[head of state]], represented by a Governor General, who acts on the advice of the [[prime minister]] and the cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the house, and the cabinet conducts affairs of state. The Governor General exercises basically ceremonial functions, but residual powers, under the constitution, can be used at the Governor General's discretion. |
| − | The [[House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]] is a [[unicameral]] parliament with | + | The [[House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]] is a [[unicameral]] parliament with 15 elected members and six appointed senators. The governor general appoints senators, four on the advice of the prime minister and two on the advice of the leader of the opposition. The parliamentary term of office is five years, although the prime minister may call elections at any time. |
| − | As in other [[English language|English-speaking]] Caribbean countries, the judiciary in St. Vincent is rooted in [[English common law]]. There are eleven courts in three magisterial districts. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, comprising a high court and a court of appeals, is known in St. Vincent as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines supreme court. The court of last resort is the judicial committee of Her Majesty's [[Privy Council of the United Kingdom|Privy Council]] in [[London]] | + | As in other [[English language|English-speaking]] Caribbean countries, the judiciary in St. Vincent is rooted in [[English common law]]. There are eleven courts in three magisterial districts. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, comprising a high court and a court of appeals, is known in St. Vincent as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines supreme court. The court of last resort is the judicial committee of Her Majesty's [[Privy Council of the United Kingdom|Privy Council]] in [[London]]. |
There is no local government in St. Vincent, and all six parishes are administered by the central government. The country has no formal armed forces, though [[Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force]] includes a Special Service Unit. | There is no local government in St. Vincent, and all six parishes are administered by the central government. The country has no formal armed forces, though [[Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force]] includes a Special Service Unit. | ||
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=== Administrative divisions === | === Administrative divisions === | ||
| − | Administratively, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into six [[parish (country subdivision)|parishes]], with five on Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines | + | Administratively, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into six [[parish (country subdivision)|parishes]], with five on Saint Vincent, and the combined Grenadines forming the sixth. [[Kingstown]] is located in the Parish of St. George and is the capital city and central administrative center of the nation. |
The six parishes are as follows: | The six parishes are as follows: | ||
| Line 130: | Line 137: | ||
===Foreign relations === | ===Foreign relations === | ||
| − | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close ties to the [[United States|U.S.]], [[Canada]], and the [[United Kingdom]], and | + | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close ties to the [[United States|U.S.]], [[Canada]], and the [[United Kingdom]], and are a full and participating member of the [[Organization of Eastern Caribbean States]] (OECS) and [[CARICOM]]. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], the [[Organization of American States]], and the [[Association of Caribbean States]] (ACS). |
| − | As a member of CARICOM, St. Vincent and the Grenadines strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement UN Security Council Resolution 940, designed to facilitate the departure of [[Haiti]]'s de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute personnel to the multi-national force, which restored the democratically elected government of Haiti in October 1994. | + | As a member of CARICOM, St. Vincent and the Grenadines strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement UN Security Council Resolution 940, designed to facilitate the departure of [[Haiti]]'s de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute personnel to the multi-national force, which restored the democratically elected government of Haiti, in October 1994. |
| − | In May 1997, Prime Minister Mitchell joined | + | In May 1997, Prime Minister Mitchell joined fourteen other Caribbean leaders and U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] during the first-ever U.S.-regional summit in Bridgetown, [[Barbados]]. The summit strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counter-narcotics issues, finance and development, and trade. |
| − | St. Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close relations with [[Cuba]], which provides a number of scholarship and other exchange programs for Vincentians, particularly in the field of [[healthcare]]. It also has diplomatic relations with the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan) instead of the [[People's Republic of China]]. | + | St. Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close relations with [[Cuba]], which provides a number of scholarship and other exchange programs for Vincentians, particularly in the field of [[healthcare]]. It also has diplomatic relations with the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) instead of the [[People's Republic of China]]. |
Saint Vincent protests [[Venezuela]]'s claim to give full effect to [[Aves (Bird) Island]], which creates a Venezuelan continental shelf extending over a large portion of the [[Caribbean Sea]]. | Saint Vincent protests [[Venezuela]]'s claim to give full effect to [[Aves (Bird) Island]], which creates a Venezuelan continental shelf extending over a large portion of the [[Caribbean Sea]]. | ||
| − | Saint Vincent is a trans-shipment point for [[South America]]n illicit drugs destined for the | + | Saint Vincent is a trans-shipment point for [[South America]]n illicit drugs destined for the U.S. and [[Europe]]. |
== Economy == | == Economy == | ||
| − | + | The St. Vincent economy is heavily dependent on [[agriculture]]. Crops include [[carrot]]s, [[cassava]]s, [[coconut]]s, [[sweet potato]]es, and [[yam]]s. It is also the world's largest producer of [[arrowroot]]. However, the largest crop is the [[banana]], which accounts for nearly 60 percent of the work force and 50 percent of merchandise exports. Such strong reliance on a single crop makes the economy vulnerable to external factors. St. Vincent's banana growers have benefited from preferential access to the [[Europe]]an market. In view of the [[European Union]]'s announced phase-out of this preferred access, economic diversification is a priority. | |
| − | [[ | + | |
| + | [[Tourism]] has grown to become a very important part of the economy, supplanting banana exports as the chief source of foreign exchange. The Grenadines have become a favorite of the yachting crowd. The trend toward increasing tourism revenues will likely continue. In 1996, new cruise ship and ferry berths were completed, sharply increasing the number of passenger arrivals. | ||
| + | |||
| + | St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beneficiary of the [[U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative]]. The country belongs to the [[Caribbean Community|Caribbean Community (CARICOM)]], which has signed a framework agreement with the United States to promote trade and investment in the region. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Most Vincentians are the descendants of [[Africa|African]] slaves brought to the island to work on plantations. There also are a few white descendants of [[England|English]] colonists and [[Portugal|Portuguese]] migrants, as well as some [[India|East Indians]], Carib Indians, and a sizable minority of mixed race. | Most Vincentians are the descendants of [[Africa|African]] slaves brought to the island to work on plantations. There also are a few white descendants of [[England|English]] colonists and [[Portugal|Portuguese]] migrants, as well as some [[India|East Indians]], Carib Indians, and a sizable minority of mixed race. | ||
| − | The country's official language is [[English language|English]]. [[French language|French]] [[Creole]] | + | The country's official language is [[English language|English]]. [[French language|French]] [[Creole]] was once widely spoken, but has been in sharp decline. A French patois may be heard on some of the Grenadine Islands. |
| + | |||
| + | St. Vincent has a high rate of emigration. With extremely high unemployment and under-employment, population growth remains a major problem. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 155: | Line 167: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | * | + | * Bobrow, Jill, and Dana Jinkins. ''St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm, Union, PSV: A Plural Country''. Stockbridge, MA: Concepts Pub., 1985. ISBN 0393033090 |
| − | * Gonsalves, Ralph E | + | * Gonsalves, Ralph E. ''History and the Future a Caribbean Perspective''. Kingston, St. Vincent: Quick-Print, 1994. {{OCLC|760629376}} |
| − | * Williams, Eric Eustace. | + | * Williams, Eric Eustace. ''British Historians and the West Indies.'' New York: Africana Pub. Corp., 1972. ISBN 0841900884 |
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| − | + | All links retrieved December 22, 2022. | |
| − | *[ | + | |
| − | *[ | + | *[https://www.gov.vc/ Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines] |
| − | + | *[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines/ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines] ''The World Factbook'' | |
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| − | {{credit|Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|149839748|Geography_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|147163900|Politics_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|135310759|Foreign_relations_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|135980028}} | + | {{credit|Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|149839748|Geography_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|147163900|Politics_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|135310759|Foreign_relations_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|135980028|Economy_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines|135252018}} |
[[Category:Geography]] | [[Category:Geography]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Countries]] | ||
[[Category:North America]] | [[Category:North America]] | ||
[[Category:Caribbean]] | [[Category:Caribbean]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Islands]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:56, 23 December 2022
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||||
| Motto: Pax et justitia (Latin) "Peace and justice" |
||||||
| Anthem: "Saint Vincent Land so Beautiful" |
||||||
 |
||||||
| Capital (and largest city) | Kingstown | |||||
| Official language(s) | English | |||||
| Demonym | Vincentian | |||||
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy | |||||
| - | Monarch | Charles III | ||||
| - | Governor-General | Susan Dougan | ||||
| - | Prime Minister | Ralph Gonsalves | ||||
| Independence | ||||||
| - | Associated State | October 27, 1969 | ||||
| - | from the United Kingdom | October 27, 1979 | ||||
| Area | ||||||
| - | Total | 389 km2 (198th) 150 sq mi |
||||
| - | Water (%) | negligible | ||||
| Population | ||||||
| - | 2022 estimate | 100,969[1] (195th) | ||||
| - | 2021 census | 100,455 | ||||
| - | Density | 307/km2 (39th) 792/sq mi |
||||
| GDP (PPP) | 2019 estimate | |||||
| - | Total | $1.373 billion | ||||
| - | Per capita | $12,431[2] | ||||
| GDP (nominal) | 2019 estimate | |||||
| - | Total | $864 million | ||||
| - | Per capita | $7,827[2] | ||||
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
|||||
| Time zone | (UTC-4) | |||||
| Drives on the | left | |||||
| Internet TLD | .vc | |||||
| Calling code | +1-784 | |||||
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, an island arc of the Caribbean Sea in North America. The country consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and the northern two-thirds of the Grenadines, a chain of small islands stretching south from Saint Vincent to Grenada. It occupies a total area of approximately 150 square miles (389 square kilometers), of which the island of Saint Vincent constitutes 133 square miles (344 sq km). The country's capital is at Kingstown on Saint Vincent. The country has a British colonial history and is now part of the Commonwealth of Nations and CARICOM.
The islands' proximity to South America has influenced its culture, as has its native peoples, East Indians, Africans, and the British who settled the islands.
Similar to other Caribbean islands, it has a history of being ravaged by hurricanes. It is also home to an active volcano, the Soufriere. However, also similar to other islands in the area is its paradise-like environment, home to diverse ecosystems and resplendent with landscapes of brilliant flora and beautiful, crystal clear waters. Though the islands' history involved slavery and servitude as well as European colonialism, today's inhabitants focus not on past injustices, but on the richness described in the old Carib name, Land of the Blessed.
Geography
What is now St. Vincent and the Grenadines was known by the Carib people as Hairoun, meaning "Land of the Blessed," for its lush mountains, rich soil, and marine resources. The environment provided richly for these native peoples.
The islands are home to the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, which contain rare and exotic flowers, plants, and trees. Founded in 1762, the gardens began as a commercial enterprise for plants brought from around the world. An aviary offers home to a number of bird species, including the national bird, the majestically colored St. Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii).
Islands
The main island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Saint Vincent. Its geography is mostly volcanic and mountainous and includes very little level ground. There is a large difference between the coastlines on each side of the island; the windward side is very rocky, while the leeward side consists of many sandy beaches and has many more bays. The island's, as well as the country's, highest peak is the volcano Soufrière at 4,048 feet, and its lowest point is at sea level. There are several tiny islets offshore of Saint Vincent, including Young Island and the Cow And Calves Islands.
In addition to Saint Vincent, major islands in the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the northern Grenadines including (from north to south) the islands of:
- Bequia
- Petite Nevis
- Quatre
- Bettowia
- Baliceaux
- Mustique
- Petite Mustique
- Savan
- Petite Canouan
- Canouan
- Mayreau
- The Tobago Cays
- Union Island
- Petit Saint Vincent
- Palm Island
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also include hundreds of smaller islets. The remainder of the Grenadines to the south are administered by Grenada.
Area and boundaries
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are located in the Caribbean Sea just north of Trinidad and Tobago and east of Central America. Geographically, it rests at 13°15′N 61°12′W and is twice the size of the city of Washington, D.C. The islands encompass 241 square miles of land area and 52 miles of coastline. Its maritime claims are 24 nautical miles in a contiguous zone, 200 nautical miles in continental shelf and exclusive economic zones, and 12 nautical miles of territorial sea. The islands have a tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation, and a rainy season that runs from May to November.
Resources and land use
Natural resources of the islands include hydropower and cropland.
Natural threats are hurricanes and the Soufriere volcano is a constant natural hazard. Current environmental issues include the pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents. In some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive.
History
Carib Indians aggressively prevented European settlement on St. Vincent until the eithteenth century. Enslaved Africans—whether shipwrecked or escaped from Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada, and seeking refuge in mainland St. Vincent—intermarried with the Caribs and became known as Garifuna or "Black Caribs."
Beginning in 1719, French settlers cultivated coffee, tobacco, indigo, cotton, and sugar on plantations worked by enslaved Africans. In 1763, St. Vincent was ceded to Great Britain. Restored to French rule in 1779, St. Vincent was regained by the British under the Treaty of Paris (1783), in which Great Britain officially recognized the end of the American Revolution. Ancillary treaties were also signed with France and Spain, known as the Treaties of Versailles of 1783, part of which returned St. Vincent to British control.
Conflict between the British and the Black Caribs, led by defiant Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, continued until 1796, when General Sir Ralph Abercromby crushed a revolt fomented by the French radical Victor Hugues. More than 5,000 Black Caribs were eventually deported to Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras.
Slavery was abolished in 1834. The resulting labor shortages on the plantations attracted Portuguese from Madeira in the 1840s, and shiploads of East Indian indentured laborers arrived between 1861-1880. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the turn of the century.
From 1763 until independence, St. Vincent passed through various stages of colonial status under the British. A representative assembly was authorized in 1776, Crown Colony government installed in 1877, a legislative council created in 1925, and universal adult suffrage granted in 1951.
During this period, the British made several unsuccessful attempts to affiliate St. Vincent with other Windward Islands in order to govern the region through a unified administration. The colonies themselves, desirous of freedom from British rule, made a notable attempt at unification called West Indies Federation, which collapsed in 1962. St. Vincent was granted associate statehood status on October 27, 1969, giving it complete control over its internal affairs. Following a referendum in 1979, under Milton Cato, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the last of the Windward Islands to gain independence, on the 10th anniversary of its associate statehood status, October 27, 1979.
Natural disasters have featured in the country's history. In 1902, La Soufrière volcano erupted, killing 2,000 people. Much farmland was damaged, and the economy devastated. In April 1979, La Soufrière erupted again. Although no one was killed, thousands had to be evacuated, and there was extensive agricultural damage. In 1980 and 1987, hurricanes compromised banana and coconut plantations; 1998 and 1999 also saw very active hurricane seasons, with Hurricane Lenny in 1999, causing extensive damage to the west coast of the island.
Politics
Politics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes place in the framework of an independent parliamentary democratic Commonwealth Realm, with King Charles III as its head of state, represented by a Governor General, who acts on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the house, and the cabinet conducts affairs of state. The Governor General exercises basically ceremonial functions, but residual powers, under the constitution, can be used at the Governor General's discretion.
The House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a unicameral parliament with 15 elected members and six appointed senators. The governor general appoints senators, four on the advice of the prime minister and two on the advice of the leader of the opposition. The parliamentary term of office is five years, although the prime minister may call elections at any time.
As in other English-speaking Caribbean countries, the judiciary in St. Vincent is rooted in English common law. There are eleven courts in three magisterial districts. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, comprising a high court and a court of appeals, is known in St. Vincent as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines supreme court. The court of last resort is the judicial committee of Her Majesty's Privy Council in London.
There is no local government in St. Vincent, and all six parishes are administered by the central government. The country has no formal armed forces, though Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force includes a Special Service Unit.
Administrative divisions
Administratively, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into six parishes, with five on Saint Vincent, and the combined Grenadines forming the sixth. Kingstown is located in the Parish of St. George and is the capital city and central administrative center of the nation.
The six parishes are as follows:
- Charlotte
- Grenadines
- Saint Andrew
- Saint David
- Saint George
- Saint Patrick
Foreign relations
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close ties to the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, and are a full and participating member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).
As a member of CARICOM, St. Vincent and the Grenadines strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement UN Security Council Resolution 940, designed to facilitate the departure of Haiti's de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute personnel to the multi-national force, which restored the democratically elected government of Haiti, in October 1994.
In May 1997, Prime Minister Mitchell joined fourteen other Caribbean leaders and U.S. President Bill Clinton during the first-ever U.S.-regional summit in Bridgetown, Barbados. The summit strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counter-narcotics issues, finance and development, and trade.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines maintains close relations with Cuba, which provides a number of scholarship and other exchange programs for Vincentians, particularly in the field of healthcare. It also has diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) instead of the People's Republic of China.
Saint Vincent protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves (Bird) Island, which creates a Venezuelan continental shelf extending over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea.
Saint Vincent is a trans-shipment point for South American illicit drugs destined for the U.S. and Europe.
Economy
The St. Vincent economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. Crops include carrots, cassavas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, and yams. It is also the world's largest producer of arrowroot. However, the largest crop is the banana, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of the work force and 50 percent of merchandise exports. Such strong reliance on a single crop makes the economy vulnerable to external factors. St. Vincent's banana growers have benefited from preferential access to the European market. In view of the European Union's announced phase-out of this preferred access, economic diversification is a priority.
Tourism has grown to become a very important part of the economy, supplanting banana exports as the chief source of foreign exchange. The Grenadines have become a favorite of the yachting crowd. The trend toward increasing tourism revenues will likely continue. In 1996, new cruise ship and ferry berths were completed, sharply increasing the number of passenger arrivals.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beneficiary of the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative. The country belongs to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has signed a framework agreement with the United States to promote trade and investment in the region.
Demographics
Most Vincentians are the descendants of African slaves brought to the island to work on plantations. There also are a few white descendants of English colonists and Portuguese migrants, as well as some East Indians, Carib Indians, and a sizable minority of mixed race.
The country's official language is English. French Creole was once widely spoken, but has been in sharp decline. A French patois may be heard on some of the Grenadine Islands.
St. Vincent has a high rate of emigration. With extremely high unemployment and under-employment, population growth remains a major problem.
Notes
- ↑ Central Intelligence Agency, St Vincent and the Grenadines People and Society The World Factbook. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 World Economic Outlook Database International Monetary Fund. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Bobrow, Jill, and Dana Jinkins. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm, Union, PSV: A Plural Country. Stockbridge, MA: Concepts Pub., 1985. ISBN 0393033090
- Gonsalves, Ralph E. History and the Future a Caribbean Perspective. Kingston, St. Vincent: Quick-Print, 1994. OCLC 760629376
- Williams, Eric Eustace. British Historians and the West Indies. New York: Africana Pub. Corp., 1972. ISBN 0841900884
External links
All links retrieved December 22, 2022.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The World Factbook
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