General Information
Nevis is the smaller of the 2 islands comprising the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. It’s known for sandy beaches, including palm-fringed Pinney’s Beach and sheltered Oualie Beach. Booby High Shoals is a popular offshore dive site sheltering sea turtles and stingrays. The island’s capital, Charlestown, is filled with Georgian-style buildings and other British colonial relics.
Population
Nevis has a population of 11,108
Political Structure
The political structure for the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is based on the Westminster Parliamentary system, but it is a unique structure in that Nevis has its own unicameral legislature, consisting of Her Majesty’s representative (the Deputy Governor General) and members of the Nevis Island Assembly. Nevis has considerable autonomy in its legislative branch. The constitution actually empowers the Nevis Island Legislature to make laws that cannot be abrogated by the National Assembly. In addition, Nevis has a constitutionally protected right to secede from the federation, should a two-third majority of the island’s population vote for independence in a local referendum.
Infrastructure Economy
The major source of revenue for Nevis today is tourism. During the 2003–2004 season, approximately 40,000 tourists visited Nevis. A five star hotel (The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies), four exclusive restored plantation inns, and several smaller hotels, are currently in operation. Larger developments along the west coast have recently been approved and are in the process of being developed.
Languages
Nevis official language is English
Currency
East Caribbean dollar ($) (XCD)
Exchange Controls
Nevis does not have exchange controls.