History
Amerindians from the South American mainland were early inhabitants of St Kitts and Nevis.

European colonists arrived in St Kitts in the early seventeenth century. The first British colony on St Kitts was established in 1623. In 1783 France gave up claims to the island.

In 1825 the British annexed Anguilla to St. Kitts and Nevis. Later, in 1871 St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla were united as a British dependency.

Between 1958 and 1962 St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla were members of the Federation of the West Indies. Following the collapse of the Federation, Anguilla remained united with St Kitts and Nevis.

In 1967 St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla became a West Indies Associated State with internal autonomy. The same year, dissatisfaction with administration from St Kitts led to the forceful expulsion of the Kittitian police authorities from Anguilla.

Anguilla came under direct British rule in 1971. The association with St Kitts and Nevis was formally ended in 1980 and Anguilla became an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

St Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. Links with the United Kingdom were retained through membership of the Commonwealth.

Economy
The economy of St Kitts and Nevis benefits from tourism and offshore financial services. The services sector accounts for the largest percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Agriculture only accounts for a small percentage of the GDP. Agricultural products are sugarcane, bananas, rice and vegetables. Animals are reared.

Industry earns a significant percentage the country's GDP. Industries include cotton, copra, salt, clothing, footwear, beverages and fish processing. (2011)

Arts
The St. Kitts Nevis National Carnival takes place over Christmas and New Year. This is an opportunity to celebrate the country's culture and African heritage.

Traditional folklore groups include Masquerade and Clowns. Steel bands and calypso are integral to the festivities.

The Christmas story is commemorated with singing, dancing, poetry and drama.

Sport
Cricket is a popular sport in St Kitts and Nevis. Other team sports played are football, basketball, volleyball and netball.

Water sports include sailing, windsurfing and diving.

Big-game fishing is available and visitors can fish for barracuda, marlin, tuna and swordfish.

Holidays
Christmas, Easter and religious holidays are celebrated. Independence Day is commemorated on 19 September (1983 from UK).

News
News from St Kitts and Nevis is available from Newslink.

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