Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

3.1. Pre-colonial period

Before the arrival of Europeans and Africans in the 16th century, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were inhabited by various Amerindian groups. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of the Ciboney people, followed by the Arawaks who were later displaced or assimilated by the Kalinago (Island Caribs). The Kalinago, who called Saint Vincent "Youloumain," had a well-established society. They were skilled navigators, fishers, and farmers, cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, and sweet potato. Their social structure was organized around villages, and they were known for their strong resistance to external forces.

3.2. European arrival and early colonial period

It is traditionally held that Christopher Columbus was the first European to sight the main island, Saint Vincent, on January 22, 1498, during his third voyage. However, Columbus himself did not land on the island. For much of the 16th century, the Kalinago people successfully resisted European attempts at settlement due to their fierce defense of their territory and the island's rugged terrain. Both the English and the Dutch made early, unsuccessful attempts to claim the island. The Spanish, while naming many islands in the region, did not establish permanent settlements on Saint Vincent.

3.3. French and British colonization and First Carib War

The French were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement on Saint Vincent, founding the town of Barrouallie on the leeward coast in 1719. They began cultivating coffee, tobacco, indigo, cotton, and sugar on plantations, importing enslaved Africans to provide labor. This marked the beginning of a brutal plantation economy that would have lasting impacts on the island's demography and social structure.
During the Seven Years' War, British forces captured Saint Vincent from the French in 1762. British control was formalized by the Treaty of Paris (1763). The British continued and expanded the plantation system, bringing in more enslaved Africans. They also began construction of Fort Charlotte overlooking Kingstown.
The British presence and encroachment on Kalinago lands led to increasing conflict. The Garifuna (also known as Black Caribs), a group of mixed Kalinago and African ancestry who had emerged on the island, strongly resisted British colonial expansion. This resistance culminated in the First Carib War (1772-1773). The Garifuna fought to maintain their autonomy and territory but were ultimately outmatched by British military power. A treaty in 1773 confined the Garifuna to a designated reserve on the island, an outcome that deeply affected their way of life and sowed seeds for future conflict.
During the American Revolutionary War, France, allied with the American colonies, recaptured Saint Vincent in 1779. However, British control was restored under the Treaty of Versailles (1783), which ended the war.

3.4. British colonial period and Second Carib War

The uneasy peace between the British and the Garifuna did not last. Continued colonial expansion and broken promises by the British led to the Second Carib War (1795-1797). The Garifuna, led by their paramount chief Joseph Chatoyer, and with support from French radicals in Martinique under Victor Hugues, launched a major uprising. Chatoyer, a figure revered for his leadership and commitment to his people's freedom, became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.
Despite initial successes, the Garifuna and their French allies were eventually defeated by a larger British force under General Sir Ralph Abercromby in 1796. Chatoyer himself was killed in battle. Following their defeat, the British enacted a brutal policy of ethnic cleansing. In 1797, almost 5,000 Garifuna were forcibly deported from Saint Vincent. They were first sent to the island of Baliceaux in the Grenadines, where many died due to poor conditions, and then transported to Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras. This deportation had devastating humanitarian consequences, leading to the dispersal of the Garifuna people, many of whom eventually settled in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras, where their descendants live today. This tragic episode remains a significant and painful part of Vincentian and Garifuna history, highlighting the severe human cost of colonial expansion.
With the Garifuna resistance crushed, the British consolidated their control over Saint Vincent. The plantation economy, heavily reliant on enslaved African labor, continued to be the dominant economic system. The construction of Fort Charlotte was completed in 1806.
The La Soufrière volcano erupted in 1812, causing considerable destruction and loss of life, further impacting the island's population and economy.
The abolition of slavery occurred in 1834 throughout the British Empire, including Saint Vincent. This was followed by a period of "apprenticeship," a system that essentially continued the exploitation of formerly enslaved people for several more years, which ended in 1838. The end of slavery and apprenticeship created a labor shortage on the plantations. To address this, the British colonial authorities initiated schemes of indentured servitude. From the 1840s, Portuguese laborers, mainly from Madeira, were brought to the island. Between 1861 and 1888, significant numbers of East Indian laborers also arrived. These waves of immigration contributed to the diverse ethnic makeup of modern Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

3.5. 20th century

The early 20th century brought further challenges. In 1902, the La Soufrière volcano erupted violently, killing an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people. The eruption caused extensive damage to agricultural lands, particularly in the northern part of Saint Vincent, and severely impacted the island's economy, which was still heavily dependent on agriculture.

Politically, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines progressed gradually towards greater self-governance under British rule. A representative assembly had been authorized as early as 1776. Crown Colony government was installed in 1877. A Legislative Council was created in 1925, though with a limited franchise based on property and income qualifications, which excluded the majority of the population. A significant step towards democracy was achieved in 1951 with the introduction of universal adult suffrage, granting all adults the right to vote.
Throughout this period, Britain made several attempts to unify Saint Vincent with other Windward Islands into a single administrative entity to simplify colonial control. In the 1960s, Saint Vincent became part of the West Indies Federation (1958-1962), a political union of British Caribbean colonies aimed at achieving independence as a single state. However, the Federation collapsed due to internal political disputes.
On October 27, 1969, Saint Vincent was granted "associate statehood" status by Britain. This gave the territory full control over its internal affairs, while Britain remained responsible for defense and foreign relations. This was a crucial step towards full independence.
In April 1979, La Soufrière erupted again. While no fatalities were reported due to timely evacuations, thousands of people were displaced, and there was significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure, posing a major challenge on the eve of independence.

3.6. Post-independence era

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on October 27, 1979. The country chose to remain a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and Head of State, represented locally by a Governor-General. The date of independence is celebrated annually as a national holiday.
The first Prime Minister of the newly independent nation was Milton Cato of the centre-left Saint Vincent Labour Party (SVLP), who had been Premier since 1974. Shortly after independence, in December 1979, a brief rebellion occurred on Union Island, led by Lennox 'Bumba' Charles. Inspired by the recent revolution in Grenada, the rebels alleged neglect of Union Island by the central government. The uprising was quickly suppressed with assistance from Barbados, and Charles was arrested. The early 1980s also saw a series of strikes that posed challenges to the new government.
In the 1984 general election, Cato's SVLP was defeated by the centre-right New Democratic Party (NDP), led by James Fitz-Allen Mitchell. Mitchell served as Prime Minister for 16 years, winning three consecutive elections, until his retirement in 2000. His tenure focused on economic development and regional integration efforts. The country faced economic hardships due to damage to the banana and coconut industries from Hurricane Allen in 1980 and another hurricane in 1987. Hurricane Lenny in 1999 also caused extensive damage.
In 2000, Arnhim Eustace succeeded Mitchell as leader of the NDP and Prime Minister. However, in the 2001 general election, the NDP was defeated by the Unity Labour Party (ULP), a successor to the SVLP, led by Ralph Gonsalves. Gonsalves, a prominent figure in Vincentian politics known for his progressive stance, became Prime Minister. He has been a vocal advocate for reparations from European nations for their role in the Atlantic slave trade and colonialism, reflecting a commitment to addressing historical injustices. The ULP, under Gonsalves' leadership, won subsequent general elections in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the Caribbean.
In 2009, a constitutional referendum was held on a proposal to adopt a new constitution that would have made the country a republic, replacing the monarch with a non-executive President as head of state. The proposal, supported by Prime Minister Gonsalves, required a two-thirds majority to pass but was defeated, with 55.64% voting against it.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, marking a significant achievement in its international diplomacy as the smallest nation ever to hold such a seat.
In April 2021, the La Soufrière volcano erupted explosively multiple times, leading to the evacuation of approximately 16,000 residents from the northern part of Saint Vincent. The eruptions caused extensive ashfall, damaged infrastructure and agriculture, and significantly impacted the nation's economy and the lives of its citizens. International assistance and financial support were provided by neighboring Caribbean countries, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the World Bank to aid in relief and recovery efforts. The World Bank announced the first significant offer of long-term funding, amounting to 20.00 M USD, on April 13, 2021. This event underscored the nation's vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its people.

4.1. Topography and islands

The main island of Saint Vincent is volcanic in origin and characterized by a rugged, mountainous interior with little level ground. It measures approximately 16 mile ^{(26 km)} in length and 9.3 mile ^{(15 km)} in width. A central volcanic mountain range runs from north to south. The island's highest point is La Soufrière, an active stratovolcano standing at 4.0 K ft ^{(1.23 K m)} in the northern part of the island. Other significant mountains include Richmond Peak, Mount Brisbane, Colonarie Mountain, Grand Bonhomme, Petit Bonhomme, and Mount St Andrew. The windward (eastern) side of Saint Vincent is generally rocky and steep, exposed to the Atlantic winds, while the leeward (western) side features more sandy beaches and sheltered bays along the Caribbean coast. Numerous small rivers and streams descend from the mountains, often forming steep valleys.
The Grenadines are a chain of approximately 32 smaller islands and cays that stretch southwards from Saint Vincent towards Grenada for about 38 mile ^{(60.4 km)}. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines encompasses the northern two-thirds of this chain, covering a combined land area of about 17 mile^{2 (45 km2)}. The Grenadines are generally lower-lying than Saint Vincent, with many formed from coral reefs and limestone, though some also have volcanic origins.
Nine of the Grenadine islands belonging to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are inhabited. These include:

• Bequia: The largest of the Grenadines.
• Mustique: A private island known for luxury tourism.
• Canouan: Features upscale resorts and a golf course.
• Union Island: A hub for yachting and gateway to the Tobago Cays.
• Mayreau: A small island with popular beaches.
• Petit Saint Vincent: A private island resort.
• Palm Island: Another private island resort.
• Young Island: A small, privately owned island resort close to Saint Vincent.

Prominent uninhabited islands in the Grenadines include the Tobago Cays, a marine park renowned for its coral reefs and turquoise waters, Petit Nevis, historically used by whalers, Baliceaux, Battowia, Quatre, Petite Mustique, and Savan. The capital city, Kingstown, is located on the southwestern coast of Saint Vincent.

4.2. Climate

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a tropical maritime climate, characterized by warm, humid conditions year-round. Temperatures are moderated by northeast trade winds. The average annual temperature ranges from 64.4 °F ^{(18 °C)} to 89.6 °F ^{(32 °C)}.
There are two main seasons: a relatively dry season from January to April/May, and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall varies significantly with altitude and exposure, ranging from an average of 0.1 K in ^{(1.50 K mm)} on the coast to 0.2 K in ^{(4.50 K mm)} or more in the mountainous interior of Saint Vincent. The Grenadines generally receive less rainfall than Saint Vincent.
The country lies within the hurricane belt and is susceptible to tropical cyclones, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes can cause significant damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and human settlements. For example, Tropical Storm Bret directly impacted the islands in 2023.

4.3. Biodiversity and environment

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The mountainous terrain of Saint Vincent is largely covered in tropical rainforest, particularly the Windward Islands moist forests ecoregion. The Lesser Antillean dry forests ecoregion is also present. These forests are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Saint Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii), the national bird. Other wildlife includes various species of birds, reptiles (like the endemic Saint Vincent blacksnake), and amphibians.
The marine environment is equally diverse, with extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems, particularly around the Grenadines. The Tobago Cays Marine Park is a protected area renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and populations of sea turtles.
The country faces several environmental challenges. Climate change poses a significant threat through sea-level rise, increased intensity of hurricanes, and impacts on water resources and coral reefs. Deforestation due to agriculture and development, soil erosion on steep slopes, and pollution from land-based sources impacting coastal waters are ongoing concerns.
Conservation efforts are underway, including the establishment of protected areas, reforestation programs, and initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and fishing practices. The nation had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.95/10, ranking it 61st globally out of 172 countries. The government is also working with regional and international partners to address climate change vulnerability and enhance environmental management.

5.1. Government structure

The head of state is the King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, currently Charles III. The King is represented in the country by a Governor-General, who is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. The current Governor-General is Dame Susan Dougan. The Governor-General's functions are largely ceremonial, including assenting to legislation, appointing government officials, and dissolving Parliament for elections.
Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the political party that commands a majority in the House of Assembly. The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the country.
The legislative branch is a unicameral House of Assembly. It comprises 21 members: 15 elected representatives from single-member constituencies chosen by first-past-the-post voting, and 6 appointed members known as Senators. Four Senators are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and two are appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. The parliamentary term is five years, though the Prime Minister may call elections earlier.
The judiciary is independent. The court system includes Magistrates' Courts, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) serves as the superior court of record, which includes a High Court of Justice and a Court of Appeal. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, United Kingdom, serves as the final court of appeal, though there have been discussions about transitioning to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court.

5.2. Political landscape and elections

The political landscape of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is dominated by two major parties: the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP). The ULP, currently led by Ralph Gonsalves, generally aligns with a centre-left, social democratic ideology, emphasizing social programs, regional integration, and a critical stance on historical injustices. The NDP, currently led by Godwin Friday (who is also the Leader of the Opposition), typically represents a more centre-right, fiscally conservative position.
Elections are held regularly and are generally considered free and fair. The ULP has been in power since 2001, with Ralph Gonsalves serving as Prime Minister. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, alongside a strong voice in international forums on issues like climate change and reparations.
A significant political event was the 2009 constitutional referendum. The proposed new constitution included provisions to replace the monarchical system with a parliamentary republic, establishing a non-executive President as head of state. The referendum, strongly supported by Prime Minister Gonsalves, required a two-thirds majority to pass but was defeated, with 55.64% of voters rejecting the changes, indicating a public preference at the time to maintain the existing constitutional arrangements.

5.3. Administrative divisions

Administratively, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into six parishes. Five of these parishes are on the main island of Saint Vincent, and one parish comprises all the Grenadine islands that belong to the country.
The parishes are:

• Charlotte Parish
• Saint Andrew Parish
• Saint David Parish
• Saint George Parish (which includes the capital, Kingstown)
• Saint Patrick Parish
• Grenadines Parish

Kingstown, located in Saint George Parish, is the capital city, the chief port, and the main commercial and administrative center of the country.

5.4. Military

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a formal standing army. Defense and security are primarily the responsibility of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). The RSVGPF includes a paramilitary Special Service Unit (SSU) and a Coast Guard, which handles maritime security, search and rescue operations, and counter-narcotics efforts. There is also a volunteer militia force that can provide support.
The country is a member of the Regional Security System (RSS), an international agreement for the defense and security of the eastern Caribbean region. Through the RSS, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cooperates with neighboring states on matters of mutual security, disaster response, and law enforcement. In 2017, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

5.5. Foreign relations

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains an active foreign policy focused on regional integration, economic development, and advocating for the interests of small island developing states. It maintains close ties with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as other Caribbean nations.
The country is a member of numerous international and regional organizations, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Its membership in these bodies facilitates cooperation on political, economic, social, and environmental issues. The country notably served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the few countries that maintains full diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) rather than the People's Republic of China. It opened an embassy in Taipei in 2019. Other Vincentian diplomatic missions are located in London, Washington D.C., Havana, Caracas, and Brussels.
The government, under Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has been a strong advocate for reparations for slavery and colonialism from European nations, working with CARICOM to advance this cause on the international stage. This stance reflects a commitment to addressing historical injustices and their ongoing impact on Caribbean societies. For example, during a royal visit in April 2022 by British royals, protestors, including the former chair of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Reparations Committee, Jomo Thomas, called for reparations from Britain.
The country has a maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela concerning Venezuela's claim to Aves Island (Isla de Aves) and the extensive EEZ it generates. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also signed the Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty in 1994 and a Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Model 1 agreement with the United States in 2014. The nation has also joined other Pacific Island nations in calling for UN action on alleged human rights abuses in Western New Guinea by Indonesia.

5.6. Human rights

The constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms. However, some human rights issues persist, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex sexual activity between men is criminalized under colonial-era "buggery" laws and "gross indecency" laws, which carry potential prison sentences. While these laws are reportedly rarely enforced, their existence contributes to discrimination and stigmatization against LGBTQ+ people. There is ongoing advocacy by local and international human rights groups for the decriminalization of same-sex intimacy and for greater protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
The call for reparations for slavery and native genocide is a significant human rights issue for the country. The government, alongside other CARICOM nations, argues that European colonial powers have a moral and historical obligation to provide reparatory justice for the enduring legacies of enslavement and indigenous dispossession, which continue to affect socio-economic development and create systemic disadvantages in the region. This call emphasizes the need for formal apologies, debt cancellation, and development support as forms of reparation.
The country engages with international human rights mechanisms, including UN treaty bodies. There is an ongoing effort to improve conditions in prisons and to address issues such as domestic violence and gender inequality, which affect vulnerable populations. The government has expressed commitment to upholding human rights, but challenges remain in fully implementing international standards and ensuring equal protection for all citizens, especially marginalized groups.

6.1. Economic overview

Key economic indicators for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per capita income, unemployment rate, and inflation. The economy has traditionally been heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly banana production. However, the banana industry has faced significant challenges due to the erosion of preferential trade agreements with the European Union and increased competition, leading to a decline in its contribution to GDP.
Tourism has emerged as a principal foreign exchange earner and a key driver of economic growth, especially in the Grenadines. The services sector, including offshore finance and retail, also contributes significantly to the economy.
Challenges facing the economy include a high public debt-to-GDP ratio, a narrow production base, high unemployment (estimated around 15-20% in various periods, though precise, recent official figures are often difficult to obtain), and vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, which can cause widespread damage and set back development. The 2021 eruption of La Soufrière, for instance, had a severe impact on agriculture and infrastructure.
The government has focused on fiscal consolidation, attracting foreign investment, developing human capital, and investing in infrastructure to support economic diversification and sustainable growth. Efforts are also being made to strengthen climate resilience and promote renewable energy to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Social equity concerns are addressed through various social programs, though poverty and inequality remain challenges.

6.2. Key sectors

• Agriculture: Once the mainstay of the economy, agriculture now accounts for a smaller but still important share of GDP and employment. Bananas remain a key export crop, though production has declined. Other agricultural products include arrowroot (of which Saint Vincent was once the world's largest producer), coconuts, sweet potatoes, yams, ginger, and various fruits and vegetables for local consumption and export. The fisheries sector also contributes to food security and livelihoods.
• Services: The services sector is the largest contributor to GDP. This includes:
  • Tourism: A major growth industry (detailed further below).
  • Offshore financial services: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an offshore financial sector offering international banking, insurance, and company registration services. The government has taken steps to improve regulation and comply with international standards to combat money laundering and tax evasion, addressing concerns about secrecy laws.
  • Retail and Wholesale Trade: Important for domestic economic activity.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is relatively small and focuses on light manufacturing, including food processing (such as flour and rice milling), beverage production, and assembly of electronic components.
• Whaling: The indigenous community on the island of Bequia has a tradition of subsistence whaling, permitted by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to hunt up to four humpback whales per year. This practice is culturally significant for the community but is also a subject of international debate regarding whale conservation.

6.3. Tourism

Tourism is a vital and growing sector for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, representing a major source of foreign exchange, employment, and economic activity. The country offers a diverse tourism product, from the lush, volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches of Saint Vincent to the idyllic white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and exclusive resorts of the Grenadines.
Key attractions include:

• The Grenadines: Islands like Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, and Union Island are popular for yachting, sailing, diving, snorkeling, and luxury vacations. The Tobago Cays Marine Park is a world-renowned destination for its pristine reefs and marine life.
• Saint Vincent: Offers nature-based tourism, including hiking to the La Soufrière volcano, exploring waterfalls (like Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls), visiting botanical gardens (such as the St. Vincent Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere), and experiencing local culture.
• Filming Location: The filming of parts of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Saint Vincent helped to increase the country's international visibility.

Infrastructure development, including the opening of Argyle International Airport on Saint Vincent, has improved accessibility. The government aims to promote sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and protects the natural environment. However, the sector is also vulnerable to economic downturns in source markets and environmental factors like hurricanes and climate change. Social impacts of tourism include job creation but also potential pressures on local resources and culture if not managed sustainably.

6.4. Transport

Transportation infrastructure is crucial for the archipelagic nation.

• Airports: Argyle International Airport (AIA), located on the east coast of Saint Vincent, opened in 2017 and is the country's primary international gateway, located approximately 5.2 mile ^{(8.3 km)} from Kingstown. It replaced the much smaller E. T. Joshua Airport (formerly Arnos Vale Airport) near Kingstown. Several of the Grenadine islands, such as Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and Union Island, have smaller airports or airstrips, facilitating inter-island travel and connections for tourists.
• Seaports: The main seaport is in Kingstown, which handles cargo and cruise ship traffic. Other smaller ports and jetties exist throughout the Grenadines, serving ferries and yachts.
• Roads: Saint Vincent has a network of roads, primarily paved, that connect major towns and villages. The terrain is mountainous, so roads can be winding and steep. The Grenadines also have road networks, though often less extensive.
• Ferries: Regular ferry services operate between Saint Vincent and the main inhabited Grenadine islands, providing an essential link for passengers and goods.

6.5. Communications

The telecommunications infrastructure in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has seen significant development.

• Telephones: Fixed-line telephone services are available, with a fully automatic system covering Saint Vincent and the inhabited Grenadines. Mobile telephone penetration is high, with widespread coverage across the islands. In 2010, there were 21,700 fixed landlines and 131,800 mobile cellular subscriptions.
• Internet: Internet access is available, with ISPs offering broadband services. Internet cafes are also present, and Wi-Fi is increasingly common in tourist areas and public spaces.

Major telecommunications providers include Digicel and Flow (formerly LIME/Cable & Wireless). They offer mobile, fixed-line, internet, and television services.

7.1. Population and ethnicity

The estimated population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is approximately 110,000 to 111,000 (as of various estimates in the early 2020s). The population density is relatively high, over 300 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The ethnic makeup of the nation is diverse, a legacy of its history of indigenous settlement, European colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and indentured servitude:

• African descent: Approximately 66% of the population are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the islands primarily by the British and French to work on sugar and other plantations.
• Mixed heritage: Around 19% of the population is of mixed African and European, or other, ancestry.
• East Indian: Constituting about 6% of the population, these are descendants of indentured laborers brought from India in the 19th century after the abolition of slavery.
• European descent: Approximately 4% of the population, primarily of Portuguese (descendants of laborers from Madeira in the 19th century) and British ancestry.
• Kalinago/Garifuna: About 2% of the population are indigenous Kalinago (Carib) or Garifuna. The Garifuna are of mixed Carib and African descent, historically significant on Saint Vincent before their mass deportation by the British in the late 18th century. A small community remains.
• Others: Around 3% include various other groups, including a small but growing Chinese population and people from other Caribbean islands.

The population growth rate has been relatively low, partly due to emigration. Many Vincentians live abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

7.2. Languages

The official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is English. It is used in government, education, media, and formal business.
However, the most widely spoken language in daily life is Vincentian Creole English, an English-based creole language. Locally, it is often referred to as "dialect." Vincentian Creole has its own distinct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, influenced by West African languages, English, and, to a lesser extent, French and indigenous languages. While standard English is the language of formal domains, Vincentian Creole is the lingua franca in informal settings, at home, and among friends, playing a vital role in national identity and cultural expression. In some parts of the Grenadines, a French-lexifier creole or Patois was historically spoken, reflecting earlier French influence, though its use has diminished.

7.3. Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. According to census data (primarily from the 2001 census, as more recent detailed breakdowns are less consistently available but trends generally hold), approximately 81.5% of the population identifies as Christian.
The major Christian denominations include:

• Anglican: Historically significant due to British colonial influence, constituting about 17.8% of the population in 2001.
• Pentecostal: A large and growing group, around 17.6%.
• Methodist: About 10.9%.
• Seventh-day Adventist: Around 10.2%.
• Baptist: Approximately 10.0%.
• Roman Catholic: About 7.5%.

Other Christian groups include Evangelicals (2.8%), Church of God (2.5%), Brethren Christian (1.3%), Jehovah's Witnesses (0.6%), and The Salvation Army (0.3%).
There has been a noted increase in adherence to Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Seventh-day Adventist denominations in recent decades.
Non-Christian religious groups are also present, though they constitute a smaller percentage of the population. These include:

• Rastafarians: Approximately 1.5%.
• Hindus: Primarily among the East Indian community, also around 1.5% (combined with Muslims in some statistics).
• Muslims: A small Muslim community exists.

A segment of the population (around 8.8% in 2001) reported having no religion or did not state a religious affiliation. Religious freedom is constitutionally protected and generally respected.

8.1. Music

Music is an integral part of Vincentian life. Popular genres include:

• Calypso: A traditional Caribbean genre known for its witty social and political commentary.
• Soca: A high-energy dance music derived from calypso, very popular during Carnival and other festivities.
• Reggae: Widely listened to, reflecting connections with Jamaican and broader Caribbean music scenes.
• Big Drum: A traditional form of music and dance with African roots, often performed at cultural events and ceremonies, particularly on Union Island.
• String band music: Features instruments like the banjo, cuatro, guitar, and shack-shack (maracas), playing folk melodies and popular tunes. Quadrille dancing often accompanies string band music.

The national anthem is "Saint Vincent, Land so beautiful", adopted upon independence in 1979. Notable Vincentian musicians who have gained international recognition include Kevin Lyttle, known for his soca hit "Turn Me On." He was named a Cultural Ambassador in 2013. Other musicians like Skinny Fabulous (Gamal Doyle) are also prominent in the soca scene.

8.2. Sport

Sports play a significant role in Vincentian society. Popular sports include:

• Cricket: Like in many other Commonwealth Caribbean nations, cricket is extremely popular. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is part of the West Indies cricket setup and has produced players who have represented the regional team.
• Football (Soccer): Widely played and followed, with a national league, the NLA Premier League, and the national team competing in regional CONCACAF tournaments. Ezra Hendrickson, a former national team captain, played in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and later became a coach, including head coach for Chicago Fire FC.
• Netball: Very popular, especially among women, with local leagues and national team participation in Caribbean championships.
• Basketball: Has a strong following, with national men's and women's teams competing in regional events like the Caribbean Basketball Championship.
• Athletics (Track and Field): The country has produced athletes who have competed at international levels. Natasha Mayers won a gold medal in the 100m at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Kineke Alexander won a bronze medal in the women's 400m at the 2015 Pan American Games, and Eswort Coombs won bronze in the men's 400m at the 1995 Pan American Games. More recently, Shafiqua Maloney became the first Vincentian athlete to reach an Olympic final, placing 4th in the women's 800m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Handal Roban also competed in athletics at the 2024 Olympics.

Volleyball and rugby are also played.

8.3. Media

The media landscape in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines includes a variety of radio stations, television broadcasting, newspapers, and online news sources.

• Radio: There are several FM radio stations, including Adoration FM (88.9), Jem Radio (89.1), NBC Radio (state-owned, 89.7), Praise FM (95.7 & 105.7), Nice Radio (96.7), Hot 97 (97.1), Star FM (98.3), We FM (99.9), Hitz FM (103.7), EZee Radio (102.7), Xtreme FM (104.3), and Boom FM (106.9). Internet radio stations like Chronicles Christian Radio also exist.
• Television: SVGTV (ZBG-TV) is a national television broadcast station. Cable television services are also available, providing access to a wider range of international channels. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation is the parent company for SVGTV and Magic 103.7 FM.
• Newspapers: Several newspapers circulate, including "The Vincentian," "Searchlight," and "The News," providing local news, commentary, and analysis. Online news platforms are also increasingly important sources of information.

8.4. Public holidays

Official public holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reflect its historical, cultural, and religious heritage.

The annual Carnival, known as Vincy Mas, is a major cultural festival, typically held in late June and early July. It features calypso and soca competitions, steelpan performances, street parades with colorful costumes (masquerade bands), and general revelry. It is a significant expression of Vincentian culture and attracts both locals and tourists.