Country Profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean nation comprising 32 islands and cays, known for its volcanic terrain and tropical climate. The population, estimated at 100,647 in 2024, is predominantly of African descent, with English as the official language. The economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on products like bananas and root vegetables, and has been diversifying into tourism and services. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, the country achieved independence from the UK in 1979.
Geography
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The total area is 389 sq km, with a coastline of 84 km. The islands have a tropical climate, with notable volcanic and mountainous terrain, most significantly La Soufrière, which rises 1,234 m. The country experiences a rainy season from May to November and is susceptible to natural hazards such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.
- 389 sq km total area
- 73.2% of land is forested (2023 est.)
- 17.9% of land is agricultural (2023 est.)
- Highest point: La Soufrière at 1,234 m
- 54.3% of the population is urban (2023)
People and Society
The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stands at approximately 100,647 in 2024, with a nearly equal gender distribution. The society is predominantly of African descent, with English and Vincentian Creole as primary languages. The country has a vibrant cultural tapestry with strong religious influences, primarily Protestant. Life expectancy at birth is estimated to be 77.2 years.
- 51.2% of the population are male
- 75% of the population identifies as Protestant (2012 est.)
- Median age is 38.1 years (2025 est.)
- Birth rate of 11.72 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
- Urban population is 54.3% (2023)
Economy
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $1.883 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.1%. The primary sectors include services, agriculture, and some industrial production, reflecting a trend toward economic diversification.
- 3.5% of GDP from agriculture (2024 est.)
- 66.4% of GDP from services (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate is 18.1% (2024 est.)
- Real GDP per capita is $18,700 (2024 est.)
- 8.2% of GDP from remittances (2024 est.)
Government
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the head of state. The capital is Kingstown. The country has a unicameral legislative body known as the House of Assembly, with elections held every five years. The latest election was on November 27, 2025.
- Independence achieved on October 27, 1979
- Current Prime Minister is Godwin Friday (since November 28, 2025)
- 22 members in the House of Assembly
- Universal suffrage at 18 years of age
- The Constitution was last revised in 1979
Military and Security
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has no regular military forces, relying on the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for internal security. The country is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS), which facilitates regional security cooperation among member states.
- The police force serves as the primary security agency
- Member of the RSS since 1982
- No standing military forces
Energy
Electricity access is nearly universal, with 100% of the population having access as of 2022. The installed generating capacity is 55,000 kW, with the majority produced from fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, contribute to the energy mix.
- Electricity consumption totaled 140.316 million kWh (2023 est.)
- 86.1% of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
- Total energy consumption per capita is 37.253 million Btu (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges include pollution of coastal waters, deforestation, and poor land-use planning. The country is party to multiple international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change.
- 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- 73.2% of land area is forested (2023 est.)
- Urban population is 54.3% of total (2023)
Transportation
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines features five airports and a merchant marine fleet of 830 vessels. The primary port is located in Kingstown, which handles the bulk of maritime activities.
- 5 airports (2025)
- Merchant marine includes various ship types, with 30 bulk carriers
- Total ports: 1 (Kingstown)
Communications
The country has a growing communications sector, with 103,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, equating to nearly 100% of the population. Internet penetration stands at 76%, indicating significant connectivity across the islands.
- 10,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
- 31,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
- 76% of the population uses the Internet (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 100,647 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 389 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.883 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Real GDP per capita | $18,700 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 18.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 77.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 11.72 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban population | 54.3% | 2023 estimate |
| Marine fleet | 830 vessels | 2023 figure |
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