Overview of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Quick Overview

The archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in the Lesser Antilles, consists of the main island of Saint Vincent (342 km²; 100,000 inhabitants), of volcanic origin, and a group of numerous small islands and islets called the Grenadines to the south. Of these, only eight are inhabited, including Bequia (17 km²; 4,300 inhabitants), Union (9 km²; 2,700 inhabitants), Canouan (7.5 km²; 1,200 inhabitants), Mustique (5.7 km²; 800 inhabitants), Mayreau (2 km²; 280 inhabitants), plus Petit Saint Vincent, Palm Island, and Young, which are other private islands with just a few permanent residents. Like other surrounding islands, Saint Vincent is part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Key Facts

• Localisation: northeast of Venezuela, between Grenada and Saint Lucia.

• Latitude/longitude: 13.15' N, 61.12' W.

• Heure locale: Heure : 2740

• Capitale: Kingstown.

• Nature de l'état: parliamentary democracy and Commonwealth member.

• Langue officielle: English.

• Monnaie: East Caribbean dollar.

• Population: 101,844 inhabitants (2018).

• Superficie: 389 km².

• Densité: 262 inhabitants/km².

• Point le plus haut: La Soufrière (1,234 m).

• Point le plus bas: sea level.

• Littoral:

• Conduite: on the left.

• Drapeau: [drapeau: Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines]

Tourism

As with all the islands in the region, tourism is a significant source of revenue for the archipelago, though local authorities have long not prioritized it compared to competitors.

In fact, visitor numbers remain relatively modest, with fewer than 100,000 visitors per year (80,000 in 2018). This can be explained by limited and inadequate air connections for key markets, no major cruise ship stopovers, a cost of living that isn’t always budget-friendly, and tourism catering mainly to upscale travelers and yachters.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• En avion: France to St. Vincent.

• Formalités: passport + return ticket.

• Devise à emporter: US dollar.

• Taux de change:

• Budget "routard" quotidien: 45 to 70 € per person.

• Le mieux pour l'hébergement: guesthouse.

• Le mieux pour pour se déplacer:

• Risques: low health and safety risks.

• Meilleure période climat/foule/prix: April to early May or early December offer the best balance in terms of weather, crowds, and prices.

• Intérêts (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★/ ★★★; Adventure ⊘/ ★; Culture ★; Relaxation/Holiday ★★★★.

Useful Addresses

Tourist Office: online only (in English) and not always up to date.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Qualité de vie": 99/188 (rank in 2018)

• PIB/hab.: $11,500 (2017)

• Revenu moyen mensuel: $550 (2014)

• Inflation: +2.2% (2017)

• Chômage "officiel":

• Population sous le seuil de pauvreté:

• Espérance de vie: 75.8 years (2018)

• Taux de migration pour 1 000 hab.: -8.4 (2017)

• Croissance population: -0.23% (2018)

• Taux d'alphabétisation:

• Population urbaine: 52.2% (2018)

• Liberté de la presse: 35/180 (rank in 2018)

• Régime politique:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook