Population
104,332 inhabitants (2021)
Official Language
The official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is English.
Languages Spoken
While English serves as the official language, a significant portion of the local population also speaks Vincentian Creole. This English-based creole language carries influences from French, Spanish and Portuguese and has been shaped by the languages of the Garifuna people and West Africans who were originally brought to the Caribbean as slaves.
Religion
Christianity stands as the predominant religion in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with a substantial 70.6% of the population identifying as Protestant. Among the Protestant denominations, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists and Baptists account for 17.8%, 10.78%, 10.2% and 10% of the country's population, respectively. Roman Catholics, Evangelicals, Rastafarians, Jehovah's Witnesses and adherents of other faiths such as Hinduism and Islam collectively represent 7.5%, 2.8%, 1.5%, 0.6% and 6.7% of the island nation's population, respectively. 8.8% of the population does not adhere to any specific religious belief.
National Holidays
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines observe Independence Day on October 27th each year, marking the historic moment when the islands gained their freedom from British colonial rule.
Holiday Schedule
January 1: New Year's Day
March 14: National Heroes Day
Late March to Early April: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
April 18: Independence Day
May 1: Labour Day/National Worker's Day
Last Monday in May: Whit Monday
First Monday in July: Carnival Monday
First Tuesday in July: Carnival Tuesday
August 1: Emancipation Day
October 27: Independence Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
History
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines form an archipelago consisting of 32 islands, with nine of them being inhabited, including Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, Mayreau, Petit St Vincent and Palm Island.
The story of these islands begins nearly 200 years before Christopher Columbus set foot on Saint Vincent's shores in 1489. At that time, the islands, known as Hairouna, were already home to Carib Indians who had migrated from South America. Spanish control prevailed until 1627 when Lord Carlisle of Britain took over the islands. The Caribs put up a fierce resistance to retain their homeland, but the Treaty of Versailles in 1783 eventually handed full control to Britain after a temporary French occupation. The Carib uprisings were decisively quashed in 1795.
In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Saint Vincent endured a series of natural disasters. The first recorded eruption of La Soufriere, a prominent volcano on the island, occurred in 1812. Devastating floods struck in 1896, followed by a catastrophic hurricane in 1898. The year 1902 saw the second eruption of La Soufriere, claiming the lives of 2,000 islanders.
Post-World War II, the right to vote was extended to the entire population, marking a crucial step toward independence. In 1969, Saint Vincent adopted Associate Statehood with the UK, granting internal self-governance while defence and foreign affairs remained controlled by London. This transition paved the way for Saint Vincent's declaration of full independence in October 1979, solidifying its status as a sovereign nation.
Policy
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates as a parliamentary democracy and is an independent Commonwealth realm. King Charles III serves as the monarch, and governance is carried out by a governor-general who acts based on advice from the prime minister and the cabinet. The majority party nominates a candidate for the position of Prime Minister, and the cabinet oversees the nation's affairs.
Food and Drink
Breadfruit holds a cherished place in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, so much so that the island hosts an annual festival in its honour. The national dish, roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish, is a culinary must-try during your stay. With a taste similar to potatoes (though it belongs to the same botanical family as mulberries and jackfruit), breadfruit offers a unique and enjoyable flavour not typically found in British cuisine. It can also be eaten with garlic and oil or wrapped in banana leaves with coconut. Another local gem is madongo dumplings, a traditional Caribbean dish made from native arrowroot, nutmeg and coconut.
Callaloo soup is a beloved local favourite and a healthy option for travellers. This flavourful soup features a leafy vegetable, which may vary in different recipes, along with ingredients like garlic, onion, potatoes and coconut milk. You'll find it served at weddings, gatherings and street food stalls-it's a dietary staple.
When it comes to drinks, what better way to enhance your Caribbean experience than with a refreshing beer on a picturesque beach? The Hairoun Brewery has been crafting its renowned beer since the mid-1980s and has become a household name throughout the islands. This light and pale beer, with delicate citrus notes, perfectly complements the sunny island vibes. Of course, a trip to the Caribbean would be incomplete without savouring the world-famous rum. Sunset rum is proudly produced here, and a visit to the distillery offers the perfect afternoon break from beach adventures.
