Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation located in the Caribbean subregion of the Americas, comprising the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of smaller islands. Current estimates show a population of approximately 99,200 people with a GDP per capita of 12,455 USD.
Where is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Coordinates
- 13.25°, -61.20°
Population Details
- Population
- 99.2K
- Area
- 389 km²
- Density per km²
- 255 / km²
- Growth rate
- -0.70%
- Annual growth
- -694.7 people
- Daily growth
- -1.9 people
- World population share
- 0.00%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Kingstown
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 389 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The nation's economy is characterized by a strong growth rate of 4.1%, though it faces challenges with an unemployment rate of 18.0%, which ranks global 11 of 186. Latest estimates show a GDP per capita of 12,455 USD, placing the country global 96 of 212 and regional 27 of 45 in the Americas. While historically dependent on banana production, the government has diversified into tourism and offshore financial services to bolster the total GDP, which currently ranks global 198 of 212. Arable land and hydropower remain significant natural resources supporting local industry and the broader economic framework.
Society
Social indicators show a literacy rate of 95.6%, with the country ranking global 76 of 170 according to the latest available data. Life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 71.4 years, placing the nation global 141 of 215. Digital connectivity is robust, as approximately 76.2% of the population are internet users, a figure that ranks global 120 of 212. Demographic patterns show a fertility rate of 1.8 births per woman and a birth rate of approximately 12 per 1,000 people, though the annual population growth is currently -0.7%.
Climate & Environment
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines experiences a tropical maritime climate characterized by a wet season from June to December and a dry season from January to May. The mountainous terrain, dominated by the active volcano La Soufriere at 1,234 m (4,049 ft), creates distinct microclimates where rainfall is significantly higher in the interior highlands than along the 84 km (52 mi) of coastline.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
- Independence
- 1979-10-27 (United Kingdom)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. As a Commonwealth realm, the British monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state and is represented by an appointed Governor-General. Executive authority is exercised by the Prime Minister, typically the leader of the majority party in the legislature, who directs the cabinet. The legislative branch consists of a unicameral House of Assembly, which includes 15 representatives elected through universal adult suffrage and 6 senators appointed by the Governor-General—4 on the advice of the Prime Minister and 2 on the advice of the leader of the opposition. The judicial system is based on English common law, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court serving as the superior court of record and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London acting as the final court of appeal. The political landscape is dominated by two primary organizations: the New Democratic Party and the Unity Labour Party.
History
The history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is marked by a long period of indigenous resistance against European colonization. Originally inhabited by the Ciboney and later the Arawak and Carib (Kalinago) peoples, the islands remained under indigenous control much longer than neighboring territories. Although Christopher Columbus sighted the main island in 1498, no permanent European settlement was established until the early 18th century by the French. In 1763, the Treaty of Paris ceded control to Great Britain, though the islands were briefly reclaimed by France before being returned to British rule in 1783. The late 18th century was defined by the Carib Wars, where the indigenous population, supported by French advisors, fought the British. Following the defeat of the Caribs and the death of national hero Joseph Chatoyer in 1795, the British deported over 5000 Black Caribs (Garifuna) to the island of Roatán. Slavery was abolished in 1834, leading to the introduction of indentured laborers from Portugal and India to work the sugar and cotton plantations. Throughout the 20th century, the nation moved toward self-governance, eventually achieving full independence from the United Kingdom on 27 October 1979. Modern development has been shaped by the transition from sugar to banana production, the growth of the tourism industry, and recovery from periodic eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano.
Notable Facts
- The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens, established in 1765, is the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere and is home to a descendant of the original breadfruit tree brought by Captain William Bligh.
- The country's highest point is the active volcano La Soufriere, which rises to 1234 m (4049 ft) and provides a challenging destination for hikers interested in volcanic geology.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 different islands and cays, but only nine of these are inhabited, including Bequia, Mustique, and the main island of Saint Vincent.
- Wallilabou Bay served as the primary filming location for Port Royal in the film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,' and many of the movie's props and sets remain on-site.
- The nation's unique geography features both white sand beaches in the Grenadines and volcanic black sand beaches on the main island of Saint Vincent.
Geography
- Highest Point
- La Soufriere (1,234 m)
- Lowest Point
- Caribbean Sea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 84 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesExplore weather and climate data for cities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Kingstown
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 26°C / 25°C | 28°C / 26°C | 16days (46 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| February best | 26°C / 25°C | 28°C / 25°C | 10days (33 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 78% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| March best | 26°C / 25°C | 28°C / 26°C | 9days (25 mm) Wet | 11.6h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| April best | 27°C / 26°C | 29°C / 27°C | 10days (31 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May | 28°C / 26°C | 30°C / 28°C | 10days (39 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| June | 28°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 18days (113 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 28°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 22days (132 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 28°C / 27°C | 32°C / 29°C | 23days (148 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 29°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 17days (121 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| October | 29°C / 27°C | 32°C / 29°C | 20days (171 mm) Wet | 10.7h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 28°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 20days (141 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 27°C / 26°C | 29°C / 27°C | 15days (60 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 26°C / 25°C . Feb: 26°C / 25°C . Mar: 26°C / 25°C . Apr: 27°C / 26°C . May: 28°C / 26°C . Jun: 28°C / 26°C . Jul: 28°C / 26°C . Aug: 28°C / 27°C . Sep: 29°C / 27°C . Oct: 29°C / 27°C . Nov: 28°C / 26°C . Dec: 27°C / 26°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 46 mm. Feb: 33 mm. Mar: 25 mm. Apr: 31 mm. May: 39 mm. Jun: 113 mm. Jul: 132 mm. Aug: 148 mm. Sep: 121 mm. Oct: 171 mm. Nov: 141 mm. Dec: 60 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is approximately 99.2K (2024).
The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Kingstown.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's GDP per capita is $12.5K (2024).
Life expectancy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 71.38 years (2024).
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines covers 389 km² (150 sq mi).
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is densely populated, with 255 people per km² — above the global average of 60.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's population is shrinking at 0.7% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.
Based on GDP per capita, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $12.5K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's intentional homicide rate is 51.3 per 100,000 people, among the highest reported globally.
The official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is English.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are January, February, March, April, based on climate data for the capital.
The latest economic data shows a GDP per capita of 12,455 USD for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This figure places the nation global 96 of 212 and regional 27 of 45 within the Americas. Economic activity is currently expanding at an annual rate of 4.1%, driven by sectors like tourism and construction.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains a high literacy rate of 95.6%, which ranks the country global 76 of 170. This strong educational foundation is supported by a system largely modeled on British standards. The high rate reflects long-standing investments in primary and secondary education across the islands of the archipelago.
The unemployment rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is currently 18.0%, which ranks global 11 of 186. This figure highlights significant labor market challenges, particularly following recent natural disasters that impacted key agricultural and tourism sectors. The government continues to implement initiatives aimed at vocational training and job creation.
Approximately 76.2% of the population in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are internet users, according to recent estimates. This connectivity level ranks the nation global 120 of 212, reflecting widespread access to digital services across the main island and the Grenadines. High internet penetration supports the growth of the local services sector.
The highest point in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is La Soufriere, an active stratovolcano reaching 1,234 m (4,049 ft). Located on the northern part of Saint Vincent, it is the most prominent geographical feature of the island. Its most recent major activity has significantly shaped the local landscape and economic planning.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 27 October 1979. The country remains a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy and is a member of the Commonwealth. This political stability has allowed it to develop a diverse economy centered on tourism, services, and agriculture.
The estimated 2026 population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 99,212. This current estimate follows a recent decline from the official 2024 figure of 100,616. The population has been trending downward primarily due to steady outward migration and a fertility rate that has fallen below the global replacement level.
According to the latest available data, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines holds a population rank of global 192 of 215. Within its regional context, it is ranked 36 of 46 in the Americas and 14 of 22 in the Caribbean. This positioning reflects its status as a small island developing state.
The estimated 2026 population density for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 254.4 people per km² (658.9 sq mi). This places the country at 50 of 215 globally for density. Most residents are concentrated on the main island of Saint Vincent, particularly in and around the capital city, Kingstown.
The population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.70%. This trend is driven by a combination of low fertility and significant emigration as residents seek opportunities abroad. Historical factors, such as the 2021 volcanic activity and economic shifts, have also influenced these demographic patterns over recent years.
The current fertility rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 1.76 births per woman. This rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to the nation's overall population decline. The latest ranking places the country at 122 of 215 worldwide for the highest fertility rates.
Recent data shows that 47.8% of the population lives in urban areas. This makes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines one of the less urbanized nations in the region, ranking 154 of 215 globally. Kingstown remains the primary urban hub, while a large portion of the population resides in rural coastal villages.
All Indicators
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