St Vincent and Grenadines: Former British Territory in the Caribbean
St Vincent and Grenadines is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean Sea and a former British Colony. The Islands were previously inhabited by Carib Indians and later on became a matter of contention between the British and French. Saint Vincent and grenadines were first discovered by Columbus in 1498. The British gained control of the island group in 1763 and ruled over it till 1979 when the island nation gained its independence. Many African and East Indian slaves were brought here to work on the sugarcane plantations and today they constitute the majority population. Saint Vincent and Grenadines also has few active volcanoes the most famous of which is Mount Soufriere that erupted in 1979 causing widespread economic havoc among the Vincentians.
St Vincent and Grenadines Facts and Figures:
- · National Name: St Vincent and Grenadines
· Capital: Kingstown
· Total area: 389 sq km (150 sq miles)
· Population: 121,000 (UN, 2008)
· Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
· Languages: English, French patois
· Ethnicity/ Races: black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 7%
· Religion: Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Protestant
· GDP (Per Capita): $4,210 (World Bank, 2007)
· Life Expectancy: 69 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
· Literacy: 96% (1970 est.)
Located west of Barbados the St Vincent and Grenadines is part of the windward island group of the Caribbean. The island has unique topography with lush green rainforests thriving in the interior of St Vincent while La Soufriere, a active volcano dominates the northern part of Saint Vincent. The island itself is made up of partially submerged volcanic mountains.
The island group of St Vincent and grenadine enjoys a tropical climate that is humid and experience average temperatures between 18 and 31°C. Another unique aspect about St Vincent and Grenadines are its beaches. While St Vincent consists mostly of black sandy beaches, Grenadines has white sand beaches.
St Vincent and Grenadines Culture and Tradition:
St Vincent and Grenadines is multi-cultural country owing to cultural influences of the British, French, Caribs, Africans and Indians among others. The islanders love their music and dance, which is on full display during the annual carnivals consisting of fashion shows, street celebrations, soca music and calypso concerts. Boat building is also a traditional craft practised by the islanders particularly in Bequia where Bequia whaleboats are widely produced.
St Vincent and Grenadines Economy:
At one time St Vincent and Grenadines had a thriving economy mainly due to its large banana exports but after the phasing out of the preferential trading agreement by the EU for former European colonies the economy has had to weather few storms. Hence the government has decided to diversify the country’s economy and tap the considerable tourist potential. In spite of this banana exports make up for a third of the country’s income.
St Vincent and Grenadines Tourist Attractions:
St Vincent and Grenadines has a budding tourist scenario with beautiful waterfalls such as the Baleine Falls and Trinity Falls that are sure to bowl you out with their sheer beauty. You can also enjoy surfing and sun bathing on pristine sandy beaches such as the Viila Beach, Indian Bay Beach, Princess Margaret Beach and Richmond Beach. If you are in the mood for some sight seeing then make it a point to visit the St Vincent National Museum, Fort Charlotte, St George’s Anglican Cathedral and St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral.
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