GENERAL
Capital
Kingstown.
Geography
According to a2zgov, St. Vincent and the Grenadines are part of the Windward Islands and are located south of St. Lucia. Like all islands in this group, St. Vincent is of volcanic origin. The landscape is mountainous with lush vegetation and black sand beaches. The extinct volcano La Soufrière (1234 m) is the highest point; There is a lake deep in the crater. The islands of Bequia (pronounced “Beckwi”), Petit Nevis, Isle à Quatre, Pigeon Island, Battowia, Baliceaux, Mustique, Petit Mustique, Savan, Canouan, Petit Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent form the long chain of the Grenadines. All of the Grenadines have white sandy beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1979. Unicameral parliament with 21 members. Independent since 1979 (former British colony).
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the local Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, since 2002.
Head of government
Ralph Gonsalves, since 2001.
Electricity
220/240 V, 50 Hz. In hotels there are also 110 V. Adapters are necessary.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. Creole English is colloquial and French patois is also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free on St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco (people over 18 years of age);
1 l alcoholic beverages (people over 18 years);
Perfume for personal use.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Safari suit or shirt and tie or suit or dress are appropriate. The business hours of the authorities vary, but the general rule is: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4.15 p.m. Some are also open on Saturday mornings.
Economy
St. Vincent & the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
Corea’s Building, Hillsborough Street, PO Box 134, Kingstown
Tel: 457 14 64th
Business contacts
St. Vincent & the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
Corea’s Building, Hillsborough Street, PO Box 134, Kingstown
Tel: 457 14 64th
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing to most countries. There are public card phones all over the island. Telephone cards are available from sales outlets everywhere. International calls can be paid for with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, AT&T and Bell credit cards if the operator is called beforehand.
Cellphone
GSM 850/900/1800. Network operators are Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular and Wireless Ventures (St. Vincent) Ltd.
Internet
Main provider: Caribsurf (Internet: www.caribsurf.com).
Post Office
Airmail to Europe is 4 weeks on the way, by sea 6 weeks. Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-3.00 p.m., Sat 8.30 a.m.-11.30 a.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Wickerwork, grass carpets and aromatic spices. Anyone who buys one of the island’s typical printed cotton fabrics can have clothes made in numerous shops in two to three days. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Numerous hotels offer evening entertainment; Programs are available at the hotel reception. The Attic in Kingstown has an extensive program of entertainment with live music on weekends. There is also a casino in Peniston, St. Vincent.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
47% Anglicans, 28% Methodists, other Protestants and 13% Catholics.
Social rules of conduct
It’s not easy to get upset and combine British influences with a Caribbean lifestyle. Visitors are warmly welcomed and casual wear is accepted almost everywhere. Nevertheless, shorts and swimwear belong on the beach and should not be worn while strolling through town. Tip: Bills contain 10-15% service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot and tropical. Trade winds moderate the temperatures in the hottest months of June and July, with occasional heavy rains.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 784 Area (sqkm) 389 Population 102,627 Population density (per sqkm) 264 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911