Saint Kitts and Nevis Country Report

St. Kitts and Nevis is a Commonwealth archipelagic nation located roughly in the middle of the greater Caribbean chain of island nations. By far the country’s biggest source of revenue is tourism, with agriculture and light manufacturing also of some note. Sugarcane was a major cash crop in decades past, though more recently the country has seen production fall. The country as a whole is somewhat dominated by the island of St. Kitts, which is larger and houses the capital Basseterre.

The biggest threat for those visiting the islands is that of opportunistic crime followed by tropical storm systems during hurricane season.

There is no notable conflict threat to St. Kitts and Nevis, nor is one expected to develop. Crime is considered moderate by regional standards, but levels are higher than most Western European and North American averages. There is no significant risk of terrorism in the islands. Unrest, particularly in the form of labor strikes, occurs on occasion and can prove disruptive, though not physically dangerous.

There are no significant concerns regarding air travel to and within St. Kitts and Nevis.

The road network is comprehensive, though road conditions may vary.

The ports are considered efficient and the ferries safe.

Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are all highly reliable.

The country is not known to be a sponsor of cyber-attacks and is not believed to particularly suffer from them.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate. Average temperatures are generally high but not excessively so. There are no significant manmade hazards on the islands, although beach runoff can be an issue after storms. The country lies within a seismically active region and experiences occasional mild-to-moderate earthquakes. Due to its location within the Caribbean hurricane belt, St. Kitts and Nevis regularly sees tropical storm activity each year. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September.

The islands have not experienced any recent significant disease outbreaks but mosquito-borne viruses are present in the country. Health facilities are adequate for most routine medical needs but more severe injuries or cases may require evacuation. All major medications can be obtained in some form on the islands, but more specialized prescription pharmaceuticals may not be available.

Corruption in Saint Kitts and Nevis is considered to be low-to-moderate in terms of regional standards but somewhat higher than in many Western countries. Rule of law is considered strong. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ political system has traditionally been stable and is expected to remain so. Sanctions are not an issue for the country.