Online Encyclopedia Search Tool

Your Online Encyclopedia

 

Online Encylopedia and Dictionary Research Site

Online Encyclopedia Free Search Online Encyclopedia Search    Online Encyclopedia Browse    welcome to our free dictionary for your research of every kind

Online Encyclopedia



Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent sovereign state of the Caribbean, part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Image:svincent22.PNG
(In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: Pax et justitia
Latin: Peace and justice
image:LocationSaintVincentAndTheGrenadines.png
Official language English
Capital Kingstown
Queen Elizabeth II
Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
Area
 - Total
 - % water
Ranked 182nd
389 kmē
Negligible
Population


 - Total (July 2003 est)


 - Density
Ranked 176th


116,812


300/km²
 - Autonomy
 - Independence
1969
1979
Currency East Caribbean dollar
Internet TLD .VC
Calling Code 1
Contents

History

Main article: History of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputed between France and Great Britain in the 18th century, Saint Vincent was ceded to the latter in 1783. Autonomy was granted in 1969, and independence in 1979.

See also: Treaty of Paris (1763)

Politics

Main article: Politics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented on the island by a governor general, an office with mostly ceremonial functions. Control of the government rests with the prime minister and the cabinet.

The country has no formal armed forces, though Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force includes a Special Service Unit.

Geography and parishes

Main article: Geography of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into 6 parishes: Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick.

Map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Economy

Main article: Economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of this lower-middle-income economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. The government has been relatively unsuccessful at introducing new industries, and a high unemployment rate of 22% continues. The continuing dependence on a single crop represents the biggest obstacle to the islands' development; tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in both 1994 and 1995. The tourism sector has considerable potential for development over the next decade. Recent growth has been stimulated by strong activity in the construction sector and an improvement in tourism. There is a small manufacturing sector and a small offshore financial sector whose particularly restrictive secrecy laws have caused some international concern.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Communications

In 1998, Saint Vincent had 20,500 telephones. Its telephone system is islandwide and fully automatic, with VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines and Barbados. It has a new SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and to Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

In 1998 it had four radio stations (1 AM, 3 FM). In 1997 it had one television station (plus three repeaters). In 2000 it had 15 ISPs. In 2001 it had 3,500 internet users

Miscellaneous topics

References


Countries in West Indies

Antigua and Barbuda | Bahamas | Barbados | Cuba | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Grenada | Haiti | Jamaica | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Trinidad and Tobago

Dependencies: Anguilla | Aruba | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Guadeloupe | Martinique | Montserrat | Netherlands Antilles | Puerto Rico | Turks and Caicos Islands | U.S. Virgin Islands



Last updated: 01-07-2005 06:26:09