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About St. Kitts & Nevis
Saint Kitts and the neighbouring island of Nevis constitute one country: the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Saint Kitts and Nevis are separated by a shallow 3-kilometre (2 mi) channel known as "The Narrows".
The official and business language is English. The Federation is a member of the United Nations (UN), of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the British Commonwealth, CARICOM and many other international organisations. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has its headquarters on St. Kitts. It maintains the stability of the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), the national currency of most Eastern Caribbean countries. St. Kitts and Nevis is a well-functioning democracy based on the British parliamentary system.
History
When Christopher Columbus explored the islands in 1493, it was inhabited by the Carib people. The British settled on St. Kitts in 1623, and on Nevis in 1628. The French settled on St. Kitts in 1627, and an Anglo-French rivalry lasted for more than 100 years. After a decisive British victory over the French at Brimstone Hill in 1782, the islands came under permanent British control. The islands, along with nearby Anguilla, were united in 1882. They joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and remained in that association until its dissolution in 1962. St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla became an associated state of the United Kingdom in 1967. Anguilla seceded in 1980, and St. Kitts and Nevis gained independence on Sept. 19, 1983.
If you are looking for the ultimate in expat tropical island living, St. Kitts and Nevis should not be over-looked. These two islands are some of the most beautiful and exotic places on earth. Whether you are looking to get out of the big city, find a place to retire or searching for a location to live that has plenty of water activities. St Kitts and Nevis is extremely popular destinations for many tourists of which many later call home.
Climate
The climate in St Kitts and Nevis is tropical. St. Kitts and Nevis provides many residents and visitors relief from its warm temperatures with a gentle breeze that comes from the north east trade winds. Humidity is low on the islands, usually staying below 10 percent. Average temperatures on the islands hover around 75 degrees and 8 degrees year-round. There is rainfall during the year, which amounts to about 54 inches, but for the most part there is plenty of sun. St, Kitts and Nevis can occasionally be affected by strong tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, with late summer to early fall being the most active.
Government
St Kitts and Nevis is considered to be the smallest nation in the Caribbean in both island size and population. While the islands were once part of the British Crown, today they are unitary islands forming a nation. St Kitts and Nevis is very stable and secure. We have a bustling tourism industry and, in many ways, serve as a tax haven for some wealthy individuals and corporations.
Tax System
St Kitts and Nevis is considered to be an attractive tax haven for many individuals and corporations. St. Kitts and Nevis has no personal income tax or estate taxes. While there is a corporate income tax, it only applies to domestic companies that do business with residents on the islands. Corporate income tax has a rate of 35%. Besides the above taxes, there are other taxes including property taxes, withholding taxes and import levies.
Shopping
Shopping on the island can be pleasurable. Necessities are easy to find. However, since all items must be imported, you are unlikely to find a wide range of products or your favourite brands. Since tourism is a huge industry on the islands, you will be able to find many tourist type products and services and there are plenty of markets for bargain hunters.
Entertainment
As far as entertainment goes, St. Kitts and Nevis offer expats and tourists alike wonderful entertainment in the form of great restaurants, nightclubs, bars and plenty of water sports and beach activities. Prices may be high for these items since they are targeted to tourists.
St. Kitts Music Festival, which started in 1996, has become, over the years, to be one of the most varied and attractive musical events in the Caribbean. The festival, which usually takes place in the last week of June, offers its guests an unforgettable cultural and musical experience. The music festival attracts thousands of music lovers from the US, Canada, Europe and the neighbouring islands.
Medical Care
Medical care on St. Kitts and Nevis is limited, but adequate. There are three hospitals on St Kitts and one hospital on Nevis. There are also clinics on both islands. For persons with serious illnesses or injuries, you will most likely need to be evacuated to the United States or another island for treatment.
There is no national health insurance in Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, in the case of citizens of the country, children under the age of 18 years and persons over the age of 62 years are exempt from all medical charges. Employed persons in the country, including resident expatriates, are required to contribute to the national Social Security Fund which only covers sickness and retirement benefits.
Getting Here
St. Kitts is easily reached from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Dozens of nonstop, connecting, and charter flights depart daily and arrive at Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport (SKB). SKB also serves flights from several Caribbean nations, including San Juan, Antigua, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Charlotte.
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