World Happiness Report for Saint Kitts and Nevis 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Saint Kitts and Nevis: na
- Happiness Score Saint Kitts and Nevis:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. KN.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small island country located in the Caribbean. It is a federal parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including a vibrant Carnival celebration and traditional musical styles such as calypso and soca. In terms of economy, Saint Kitts and Nevis has a strong tourism industry and is also known for its citizenship by investment program.
- It is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas, both in area and population.
- The country was the first in the world to officially recognize the independence of the United States.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis was the first British colony in the Caribbean to gain full independence in 1983.
Saint Kitts and Nevis – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: Saint Kitts and Nevis were originally inhabited by the Carib and Arawak indigenous peoples. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in 1493 when Christopher Columbus landed on Saint Kitts. The islands were colonized by the British and French in the 17th century, leading to conflicts between the two powers for control.
Colonial Period: Saint Kitts and Nevis were major sugar-producing colonies for Britain and France, relying on the labor of enslaved Africans. The islands changed hands several times between the two powers until 1783, when they were ceded to Britain.
Independence and Modern Era: Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence from Britain in 1983, becoming a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. The country has maintained a stable democracy since then, with a parliamentary system and regular elections.
Current Political Situation: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federal parliamentary democracy with a unicameral National Assembly. The current Prime Minister is Terrance Drew, who took office in 2022 after leading his party to victory in the general elections.
International Relations: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The country maintains friendly relations with its neighbors and actively participates in regional initiatives.
Human Development and Economy: The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is primarily service-based, with tourism and financial services as major sectors. The country has a relatively high standard of living, with a strong focus on education and healthcare.
Cultural Highlights: Saint Kitts and Nevis has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its British and African roots. The islands are known for their vibrant music, dance, and cuisine, as well as their preserved historical sites and natural beauty.
Challenges and Opportunities: Saint Kitts and Nevis faces challenges related to economic diversification, sustainable development, and climate change adaptation. However, the country also has opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, and strengthening its regional integration.
Travel Tips for Saint Kitts and Nevis:
Best Time to Visit: The peak tourist season is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, prices may be higher during this period. The shoulder seasons (May-June and September-November) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or more traditional areas. Greet locals with a friendly smile and a polite “good morning/afternoon/evening.” Respect local customs and avoid public displays of affection.
Safety: Saint Kitts and Nevis are generally safe for travelers, but it’s advisable to take standard precautions against petty crime, such as securing valuables and avoiding isolated areas at night.
Must-See Landmarks: Explore the historic Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the beautiful beaches of Frigate Bay and Cockleshell Bay. Discover the island’s natural wonders, like the Spooner’s Gingerbread Hill and Wingfield Estate.
Culinary Experiences: Sample local dishes like saltfish and dumplings, conch fritters, and spicy goat water stew. Don’t miss the chance to try the locally produced rum and the iconic Ting grapefruit soda.
Living in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Saint Kitts and Nevis is relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands, especially for housing and imported goods. However, utilities and local produce are reasonably priced.
Housing: Expats typically rent or purchase property in gated communities or resort areas. Prices can vary greatly depending on location and amenities.
Main facts
Location
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a sovereign island country located in the West Indies of the Caribbean Sea. It is situated in the Leeward Islands, approximately 225 miles (362 km) southeast of Puerto Rico and 190 miles (305 km) west of Antigua.
Map References
Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the Caribbean, an island group situated in the Western Atlantic Ocean, east of Central America.
Area – Comparative
The total land area of Saint Kitts and Nevis is approximately 261 square kilometers (101 square miles), making it slightly larger than twice the size of Washington, D.C.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation with no land boundaries.
Coastline
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a total coastline of 135 km (84 miles), featuring various beaches, bays, and coves along its shores.
Maritime Claims
Saint Kitts and Nevis claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
Climate
The climate of Saint Kitts and Nevis is tropical, with relatively uniform temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F). The dry season runs from January to April, while the rainy season occurs from May to November.
Terrain
Saint Kitts and Nevis is characterized by a mountainous landscape, with volcanic peaks and rolling hills. The highest point is Mount Liamuiga (formerly Mount Misery) on the island of Saint Kitts, reaching an elevation of 1,156 meters (3,792 feet).
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Saint Kitts and Nevis is Mount Liamuiga (formerly Mount Misery) at 1,156 meters (3,792 feet), while the lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).
Natural Resources
The primary natural resources in Saint Kitts and Nevis include arable land, forests, and potential sources of geothermal energy.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water surrounding Saint Kitts and Nevis are the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards in Saint Kitts and Nevis include hurricanes, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.
Geography – Notes
Environmental Considerations
Saint Kitts and Nevis are vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increased frequency and intensity of tropical storms. Environmental conservation efforts are crucial for preserving the islands’ natural resources and ecosystems.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 42.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 238. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 23.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 17.357822-62.782998.
- Capital: The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Basseterre
- Major Cities:
- Basseterre – Population: 13,220
- Charlestown – Population: 1,500
- Population: 52,823
- Area(Km2): 261
- Population Density( P/Km²):205. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:1
- Official Language(s):English is the primary language spoken in Saint Kitts and Nevis, with a percentage of 100%.
- Currency: XCD
Main Economic Indicators
The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a service-based economy heavily dependent on tourism, with a small manufacturing sector and some agriculture. The country’s GDP is relatively small, and it faces challenges such as vulnerability to natural disasters and a high debt burden. Notable economic policies include efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
The inflation rate (consumer prices) was 2.5% in 2021 and -0.6% in 2020, according to data from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: No data available
Fitch: No data available
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 0.7%
Industry: 10%
Services: 89.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas, fish
Industrial Products: Tourism, cotton, salt, copper, electrical components, beverages, metal products
Labor Force
The total labor force in Saint Kitts and Nevis is 23,600 (2013 estimate), ranking it 210th in the world.
Current Account Balance
The current account balance was -$66 million in 2021, ranking it 75th in the world.
Exports and Imports
Exports: $62 million (2021)
Key Partners: United States, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Iceland
Main Commodities: Electrical components, machinery, food, beverages, tobacco
Imports: $400 million (2021)
Key Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Japan, China
Main Commodities: Machinery, transportation equipment, construction materials, food, fuel
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $297.6 million (2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$1,050,992,593. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 49.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $3.33. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Kittitian(s)/Nevisian(s)
Adjective: Kittitian/Nevisian
Ethnic Groups
- Predominantly Black (92.8%)
- Mixed/Other (3.8%)
- White (2.1%)
- East Indian (1.3%)
Religions
- Protestant (57.1%)
- Anglican (17%)
- Other Christian (33.1%)
- Roman Catholic (5.9%)
- Hindu (1.1%)
- Islam (1.1%)
- Other (2.2%)
- None (14.9%)
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 18.27% (male 5,150/female 5,049)
- 15-64 years: 69.25% (male 19,526/female 19,211)
- 65 years and over: 12.48% (male 2,891/female 4,090)
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 44.5
Youth dependency ratio: 26.4
Elderly dependency ratio: 18.1
Median Age
Total: 35.7 years
Male: 34.8 years
Female: 36.7 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 28.4% (2016)
- Alcohol consumption (liters of pure alcohol per capita): 7.0 (2010)
- Tobacco use: 6.8% of adults (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 97.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:12.6. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.5. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 93.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 16,269. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):56.60%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a small military force known as the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), which serves as the country’s combined armed forces. The SKNDF consists of:
- A Ground Infantry Unit
- A Coast Guard Unit
- A Special Services Unit (SSU) handling internal security and support to civilian authorities
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order within the country.
Military Expenditures
Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for Saint Kitts and Nevis:
- 2018: 0.8%
- 2017: 0.8%
- 2016: 0.7%
- 2015: 0.7%
- 2014: 0.6%
Saint Kitts and Nevis ranks among the countries with the lowest military spending globally.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel strength of Saint Kitts and Nevis is approximately 300, with the following breakdown:
- Ground Infantry Unit: 200
- Coast Guard Unit: 100
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has a strength of around 400 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a limited military equipment inventory, primarily consisting of small arms and light weapons for its ground forces, as well as patrol boats for the Coast Guard Unit. The country does not have any major acquisitions or development programs underway.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is voluntary in Saint Kitts and Nevis, with the following age requirements:
- Ground Infantry Unit: 18-45 years
- Coast Guard Unit: 18-45 years
There is no mandatory military conscription in the country.
Military Deployments
Saint Kitts and Nevis does not have any significant overseas military deployments. However, the country has contributed a small contingent of troops to regional peacekeeping missions organized by the Regional Security System (RSS).
Strategic Military Notes
The primary role of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force is to maintain internal security, provide disaster relief assistance, and support civilian authorities. The country’s defense strategy focuses on regional cooperation and participation in the RSS, an international agreement for the defense and security of the Eastern Caribbean region.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is not a member of any major military alliances but cooperates closely with other Caribbean nations and the United States on security matters.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.52
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.