GENERAL
Capital
Basseterre (St. Kitts).
Geography
As a country located in North America according to franciscogardening, St. Kitts (officially St. Christopher) is one of the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. The center of the island consists of three jagged volcanic groups, which are separated by deep gorges. The rainforest of the central mountain range changes into thick bushes at higher altitudes. The crater of Mount Liamuiga, whose northern foothills merge into sugar cane plantations and meadows, is 1200 m above sea level. The agriculturally unused, flat hills are overgrown with dense tropical forests and exotic fruits. In the southwest of the island, a flat peninsula with excellent beaches extends to Nevis.
The small, almost circular island of Nevis is separated from St. Kitts by a 3 km wide canal and can be reached by ferry or plane. The island offers miles of white sandy beaches, coconut groves and a calm, turquoise sea where brown pelicans dive for the countless fish. The highest point on the island is Mount Nevis, 1090 m high. To the north and south of it are the smaller elevations Saddle Hill and Hurricane Hill.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1983. Constitution of 1983. National assembly of 11 directly elected and three appointed members plus the governor. Nevis has state status and its own legislature, which, according to the constitution, can break away from the federal government under certain conditions. Independent since 1983 (former British colony).
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor General Samuel Weymouth Tapley Seaton, since May 2015.
Head of government
Timothy Harris, since February 2015.
Electricity
230 V, 60 Hz. In hotels there is also 117 V.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Steelbands perform at some hotels during the high season and dance evenings are sometimes held. The Royal St. Kitts on St. Kitts is a casino. There is a nightclub on Nevis and J’s Place at the base of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Cotton Club and Reflections on St. Kitts offer evening entertainment.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The hotel prices differ depending on the standard and equipment of the accommodation and are much lower out of season (mid-April to mid-December). Most hotels give group and flat rate discounts. 7% tax and 10% service charge are added to all hotel bills.
There are over 20 hotels on the two islands, but most of them are on St. Kitts. Numerous small hotels are privately owned and offer a high standard. A full list is available from the High Commission or the Tourist Office. The majority of the hotels belong to the St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA), Liverpool Row, PO Box 438, Basseterre, St. Kitts. Tel: 465 53 04. (Internet: http://www.stkittsnevishta.org/)
Categories:Most hotels offer different room rates.
Full American Plan (FAP): room with full board (including afternoon tea).
American Plan (AP): Room with three meals.
Modified American Plan (MAP): room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea.
Continental Plan (CP): Bed and breakfast.
European Plan (EP): overnight stay only.
CULTURE
Religion
Anglicans, Methodists, and Catholics.
Social rules of conduct
Commercialization has not yet started in St. Kitts and Nevis, and commercial thinking is not yet part of everyday life. The islanders love the traditional, simple, quiet lifestyle and warmly welcome visitors. The calypso and music play a big role, especially in the summer months. Casual clothing is mostly accepted, but you should always choose clothes that are appropriate for the occasion. Tip: A 10% service charge is added to hotel bills. In restaurants, 10-15% is common, taxi drivers expect 10%.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot tropical climate, tempered by trade winds. The dry season lasts from January to April. In summer and at the end of the year the amount of precipitation is higher and varies depending on the altitude. The annual rainfall is around 125-200 mm, the main rainy season from May to October. Cyclones can occur between August and October.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 869 Area (sq km) 261 Population 51,936 Population density (per sq km) 199 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911