Country's Full Name: The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Brief History: Before Europeans discovered this place, different tribesmen inhabited the islands. Archaic people, Saladoid, Igneri, Arawak, Caribs and Kalinago were the natives. It is believed Christopher Columbus sighted the twin islands in 1493. British settled in 1623 followed by French in 1625 dividing the St Kitts Island in two halves. A decisive battle in between the two in 1783 eliminated the French presence. Slaves from West Africa were brought to work in agricultural plantations. St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla formed a federation in 1883. Anguilla in 1971 opted out of the federation. The federation gained independence from UK in 1983. A plebiscite in Nevis in 1998 fell short of two-third majority to break out of the federation. There is an uneasy rocky alliance between the two islands.

What is the country known for:
St Kitts is famous for Sugarcane plantations.
Beautiful beaches for surfing and diving can be found in both the islands.
The financial institutions have the reputation to operate as discreet tax haven.

Main Industries: tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages
Agriculture - products: sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Main Trading Partners:
Exports partners (2006): US, Canada, Netherlands, Bermuda; Exports: $70 million; Exports - commodities: machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Imports partners (2006): US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK; Imports: $405 million; Imports - commodities: machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Major Cities: Basseterre (capital), Charlestown, New castle, Brown Hill, Old Road Town, Sandy Point Town

Location: Two tiny islands in the Caribbean Sea form a federation.
Geographic coordinates: 17 20 N, 62 45 W

Size: Total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km)
land: 261 sq km/water: 0 sq km

Time Zone: GMT/UTC - 4 hours

Type of Government:
The federation is parliamentary democracy where British monarch represented by governor-general remains the chief of state. The unicameral National Assembly constitutes 14 members (3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies) serving five-year-term.

Chief of state: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General: Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian (since 1 January 1996)
Head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas (since 6 July 1995)

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
2 Jan Carnival Day.
2 Apr Good Friday.
5 Apr Easter Monday.
3 May Labour Day.
24 May Whit Monday.
7 Aug Emancipation Day.
17 Sep Heroes' Day.
19 Sep Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
2 Jan Carnival Day.
22 Apr Good Friday.
25 Apr Easter Monday.
2 May Labour Day.
13 Jun Whit Monday.
7 Aug Emancipation Day.
17 Sep Heroes' Day.
19 Sep Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

Note
Where a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, certain rules may apply meaning the holiday is usually moved. These rules have not been taken into account here.

Population and breakdown:
July 2007 estimate: 39,349
0-14 years: 27.2% (male 5,472/female 5,218)
15-64 years: 64.9% (male 12,779/female 12,752)
65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,300/female 1,828) (2007 est.)

Median age: 28.1 years (male: 27.4 years/female: 28.8 years)
Life expectancy: 72.66 years (male: 69.81 years/female: 75.69 years)

Religion: Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Language: English

Customs: Are there any local customs to be aware of?
The local customs are a mix of British, Irish, French and West African.
The residents are mostly shy and reserved.
Take permission before taking their photograph.
Topless bathing on sea beach is illegal.

Best time to go: Clean blue waters, exotic natural wonders invite tourists to visit these wonderful islands. St Kitts and Nevis have tropical weather and can be visited any time of the year. June to September remains the month for hurricanes. Carnival is celebrated during Christmas time from mid December to 1st week of January.

Currency:
1 US Dollar = 2.70000 East Caribbean Dollar
1 East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) = 0.37037 US Dollar (USD)

1 British Pound = 5.50668 East Caribbean Dollar
1 East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) = 0.18160 British Pound (GBP)

1 Euro = 3.82307 East Caribbean Dollar
1 East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) = 0.26157 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations:
Tobacco - 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
Liquor - 1.136 liters of wine or spirits

Tipping:
Service charge of 10% is charged in the bill. 10-15% of the bill can be given as tip for good service.