Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small (162-mile) island nation in the Caribbean Sea. The population of 40,131, as of July 2009, is predominantly black and Christian (Anglican, other Protestant, and Roman Catholic). Although the economy is heavily dependent on tourism and services-the sugar industry, previously a mainstay of the economy, was closed down in 2005-and is somewhat handicapped by the nation's small size, citizens enjoy a standard living similar to many European countries. Per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2009 was $18,800, the 64th highest in the world, and life expectancy is 72 years for women and 69 years for men. The fertility rate is above replacement levels (2.26 children per woman), so although net migration is negative (minus 1.15 migrants per ...