Vital Statistics

Population: 46,000
Area: 255 sq. km. Nevis is only 93 sq. km, while St. Kitts is 162 sq. km
Capital: Basseterre on St. Kitts
Language: English
Religion: Although Anglican churches do exist on the island, residents beliefs still reflect traditional values with superstitions, herbal remedies and voodoo all playing a part.
Time Zone: GMT -4 hours
Currency: EC dollar
Electricity: 220-230V/60 cycle
Weights & Measures: Imperial and Metric
International Dialling Code: 869

Geography

The two-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis lies towards the northern end of the Leeward Island chain, in the vicinity of St Martin, Antigua, and Montserrat. The volcanic origin of these islands is apparent in their mountainous landscape. On Nevis, Nevis peak rises to 985 m in the centre of the island. St. Kitts, while its lower peninsula has several steep hills is topped by cloud-shrouded Mt Liamuiga rising to 1,156 m.

This natural wealth forms the basis of the islands' economy and upmarket resorts have developed around marinas offering yacht and hotel accommodation combined - it's the yachties the Government wants to attract, along with those seeking somewhere quiet and beautiful to escape to. Despite the financial advantages that tourism (around 300,000 visitors a year) brings, the BVI takes active steps to protect and maintain the unspoiled environment.

Climate

The principal characteristic of the Caribbean's climate is the relative lack of temperature change from season to season. The islands' proximity to the equator means that seasonal temperature changes are limited to less than 6°C. An added bonus is the trade winds, which bring regular, cooling breezes to most of the islands.

Year round, temperatures average around 27°C throughout the region. During the "winter" - which is peak season for tourists in the islands - night-time lows can drop to about 16°C, with daytime highs reaching as much as 32°C. Hurricanes can strike from July to October. The "dry" period, coinciding with the peak tourist season, is from December to April or May.

Highlights

Diving and snorkeling

Diving here offers excellent opportunities for everyone from novices to experts with coral reef and wrecks lying nearby and at both shallow and deeper depths.

Black Coral Reef allows a rare opportunity to see black coral (hence the name), the reef begins at 40 feet and continues to 70.

The Caves lie 40 feet under water just off the west coast of Nevis, north of Charlestown. These lesser-explored caves (a series of coral grottos) allow excellent visibility and the ability to swim through the living reef.

Grid Iron, located in the channel between St Kitts and Nevis is an excellent underwater shelf that begins at 25 feet (excellent for the novice), but continues down to 200 feet for the more experienced.

River Traw Wreck, lying just 50 feet deep is an excellent dive for even novices as the 144 feet long freighter, on the sea floor for 10 years, is still in great condition.

Mount Liamuiga

Follow sinuous paths up through the cane and enter the gloom where the trade wind breezes suddenly cease. Buzzing and rustlings in the undergrowth and treetops suggest a lively retinue of residents and possible sightings of green vervet monkeys.

Sandy Bay

Fronting onto the Atlantic Ocean, the surf of Sandy Bay has transformed the ancient lava flows from Mount Liamuiga into unusual black shapes jutting out of the ocean.

Southeast peninsula

At the entrance to the 22-km southeast peninsula, Frigate Bay embraces both the Atlantic and the Caribbean with pale sandy beaches offering water sports for all. The main island resort area, this is where hotel development starts and ends - for the time being.

Verchild's Mountain

The Mansion Source trail, often overlooked by visitors, climbs Verchild's Mountain which is just a mile away from Mount Liamuiga. The reward at the top is a pond surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The trail conditions vary and may well require a guide.

Festivals & Events

The St. Kitts Music Festival features top names from every type of music the Caribbean has to offer. The spectacular four-night event is held at the end of every June.

September sees the locals celebrating their independence.

The biggest event of the year, Carnival, takes place from mid-December-early January

Tourist Office website - www.stkittstourism.kn