About St. Kitts and Nevis: An Island Nation with a Rich History
Introduction to St. Kitts and Nevis
Located in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is an island nation that consists of two inhabited islands: the bigger St. Kitts and the smaller Nevis. With a population of less than 50,000, it is recognized as the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere in terms of both area and population, and also as the world’s smallest sovereign federation.
capital city is Basseterre, and it is located on the larger island of St. Kitts. The citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis are known as Kittitians, not Kittians.
One of America’s Founding Fathers was Born on the Island
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the US, was born on Nevis and lived on the two islands until 1772. His birthplace is a testament to the island’s rich history and its connection to American history.
The Largest and Most Well-Preserved Stone Fortresses in the World
St. Kitts is home to one of the largest and most well-preserved stone fortresses in the world, called Brimstone Hill. The fortress was constructed as a British fortress with the intention of retaining the island as a colony and projecting power in the region. It has provided spectacular views and has been the site of numerous amphibious conflicts between British and French forces.
St. Kitts and Nevis – Pioneers in CBI Programs
CBI stands for Citizenship By Investment, a program that allows people with weak passports to gain a more powerful passport that allows expanded travel without the hassle of obtaining visas. St. Kitts and Nevis are among the pioneers in this field, offering a powerful passport that gives access to over 150 destinations visa-free for a $250,000 investment. The program was started in 1984 and is widely advertised in back-of-seat videos on British Airways.
Nevisians have Voted to Secede Twice
As a federation, the twin islands are essentially two countries in one. However, Nevisians have voted twice to secede from the union. The results of the first unofficial referendum were 99.66% in favor of independence, but the results were rejected by the national government. The second attempt in 1998 saw the majority of Nevisians, 62%, vote for independence, but it did not meet the required two-thirds majority threshold. The island’s constitution allows the possibility of a future referendum.
Perfect Place to Register a Business
Nevis is considered one of the most secretive places in the world to register a company. Not even the company’s registrar has easy access to director and shareholder information. This makes it the perfect place to register a business if privacy is a concern.
Alcoholic Monkeys
St. Kitts and Nevis is home to vervet monkeys that were introduced by the French approximately 300 years ago. These monkeys have developed a preference for alcohol by consuming fermenting sugarcane in the fields. They are known for raiding local bars to quench their thirst, leading to behaviors reminiscent of intoxicated humans.
Bonus Fact
St. Kitts and Nevis has introduced mongooses to the highlands, which have eliminated the venomous snakes from the area.
Conclusion
St. Kitts and Nevis is a unique and fascinating island nation with a rich history. Its small size belies the complexities of its politics, culture, and wildlife. From its connection to American history to its attempts at secession, this small nation has a lot to offer.
FAQs
- Q: When was the CBI program introduced in St. Kitts and Nevis?
- Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain a powerful passport through the CBI program?
- Q: What is the population of St. Kitts and Nevis?
- Q: What is the name of the fortress on St. Kitts?
A: 1984
A: $250,000
A: < 50,000
A: Brimstone Hill
Photo by Phil Hauser on Unsplash. St. Kitts welcomes allcomers.