Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: na
  • Happiness Score Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: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:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. 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:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. 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.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. 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 Vincent and the Grenadines. VC.

    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a country located in the Caribbean. It is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with the monarch of the United Kingdom as the head of state. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from African, European, and indigenous Caribbean traditions. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services.

  • Did you know that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of 32 islands and cays?
  • The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, tropical beaches, and coral reefs.
  • The national dish of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish.
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – A Comprehensive Overview

    History

    Early History: The island of Saint Vincent was inhabited by indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples before European colonization. The Caribs fiercely resisted European settlement, leading to a series of wars.

    Kingdoms and Empires: Saint Vincent was claimed for England by Sir William Young in 1627. The island was ceded to Britain in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris.

    Colonial Period: Saint Vincent was colonized by the British and became part of the British West Indies. The island was a major producer of sugar, cotton, and other crops cultivated by enslaved Africans.

    Independence and Modern Era: Saint Vincent gained its independence from Britain on October 27, 1979. The country has remained a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. In the 1980s, there was a period of political instability and attempted coups.

    Current Political Situation: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The current Prime Minister is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who has been in power since 2001.

    International Relations: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The country maintains close ties with other Caribbean nations and the United States.

    Human Development and Economy: The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services. The country has a high Human Development Index ranking but faces challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and climate change.

    Cultural Highlights: The culture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences. The main religion is Christianity, and the official language is English. The country is known for its vibrant music, cuisine, and annual festivals, such as Vincy Mas.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines faces challenges related to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. The country also has opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, ecotourism, and information technology.

    Travel Tips for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    – Best Time to Visit: The dry season from December to April offers the best weather for visiting, with less humidity and lower chances of rain.

    – Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Greet people with a friendly “good morning/afternoon/evening.”

    – Safety: Exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night. Petty crime can occur, so keep valuables secure.

    – Must-See Landmarks: La Soufrière Volcano, Botanical Gardens, Fort Charlotte, Bequia Island, and the Grenadines islands.

    – Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like roti, callaloo soup, breadfruit, and freshly caught seafood.

    Living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    – Cost of Living: The cost of living is generally lower than in many other Caribbean islands, but housing and imported goods can be expensive.

    – Housing: Options range from apartments in towns to beachfront villas. Expats often rent or buy property near beaches or in the capital, Kingstown.

    – Healthcare: The public healthcare system is free for citizens but can be limited in resources. Many expats opt for private healthcare or travel abroad for major medical treatments.

    – Education: The education system follows the British model, with primary and secondary schools, as well as a community college and a technical college.

    – Lifestyle: Life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is generally relaxed and centered around the outdoors, with opportunities for water sports, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the islands.

    Doing Business in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    – Business Culture: Business practices are generally formal, with an emphasis on punctuality and respect for hierarchies.

    – Economic Climate: The economy is focused on agriculture, tourism, and financial services. Opportunities exist in renewable energy, information technology, and ecotourism.

    – Key Industries: Agriculture (bananas, coconuts, root crops), tourism, offshore financial services, and light manufacturing.

    – Legal Frameworks: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a legal system based on English common law. Foreign businesses must comply with local laws and regulations.

    – Negotiation and Relationships: Building personal relationships and trust is important in business dealings. Negotiations can be slow-paced, so patience is crucial.

    Studying in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    – Educational System: The education system follows the British model, with primary and secondary schools, as well as post-secondary institutions like the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and the Technical College.

    – Top Universities: The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and the Technical College are the main tertiary education institutions in the country.

    – Student Life: Student life revolves around campus activities, sports, and social events. The islands offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploring the natural beauty.

    – Visa Requirements: International students may need to obtain a student visa and meet specific requirements, such as proof of enrollment and financial support.

    – Opportunities for International Students: International students can gain experience in fields like tourism, agriculture, and environmental studies while immersing themselves in the Caribbean culture.

Main facts

Location

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea, situated in the southern portion of the Windward Islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the West Indies. It lies south of Saint Lucia and northwest of Grenada, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.

Map References

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Caribbean region of the North American continent.

Area – Comparative

With a total area of approximately 389 square kilometers (150 square miles), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country and has no land boundaries.

Coastline

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a coastline of approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles), with numerous inlets and bays.

Maritime Claims

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

Climate

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a tropical maritime climate, with little seasonal variation in temperature. The average temperature ranges from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year, moderated by northeast trade winds.

Terrain

The terrain of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is volcanic and mountainous, with steep coastal areas and interior valleys. The main island, Saint Vincent, is dominated by the active volcano La Soufrière.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the volcanic cone of La Soufrière on Saint Vincent, reaching an elevation of 1,234 meters (4,049 feet). The lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).

Natural Resources

The primary natural resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include hydropower, cropland, and beaches.

Major Bodies of Water

The main bodies of water are the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are no major lakes or rivers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Natural Hazards

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is susceptible to hurricanes, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. The active volcano La Soufrière on Saint Vincent poses a significant natural hazard.

Geography – Notes

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is part of the Windward Islands, a chain of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea known for their volcanic origins and lush tropical landscapes. The country’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and tourism, with its beaches and natural attractions being major draws for visitors.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 69.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 220. 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( %). 25.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  12.984305-61.287228.
  • Capital: The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is  Kingstown
  • Major Cities:
    1. Kingstown – Population: 16,500
    2. Georgetown – Population: 1,200
    3. Biabou – Population: 1,200
    4. Barrouallie – Population: 1,200
  • Population: 100,455
  • Area(Km2): 389
  • Population Density( P/Km²):284. 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 (official) 100%
  • Currency: XCD

Main Economic Indicators

The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is small and highly vulnerable to environmental shocks and external economic conditions. With a GDP of around $800 million, the economy is primarily service-based, with a strong emphasis on tourism, agriculture, and construction. Key economic challenges include vulnerability to natural disasters, a high fiscal deficit, and high public debt levels. The government has implemented economic policies focused on debt reduction, fiscal consolidation, and promoting private sector development.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2021: 3.6% (Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank)

2020: 0.2% (Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not rated

Moody’s: Not rated

Standard & Poor’s: Not rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 6.5%

Industry: 16.1%

Services: 77.4%

(Source: CIA World Factbook, 2017 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices

Industrial Products: Food processing, cement, furniture, pottery,mica

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 55,000 (2021 estimate)

Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$134 million (Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank)

2020: -$104 million (Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank)

Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $47 million (2021 estimate)

Key Export Partners: Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados

Main Exports: Bananas, foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transport equipment

Imports: $446 million (2021 estimate)

Key Import Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore, Antigua and Barbuda

Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, fuels, beverages

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $160 million (2021 estimate)

Gold Reserves: Not available

  • GDP (Current US$):$825,385,185. 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): 25.40%. 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): 37.00%. 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. $1.16. 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 (%): 18.88%. 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

1. National Identity

Noun: Vincentian(s)
Adjective: Vincentian

2. Ethnic Groups

Black 66%
Mixed 19%
East Indian 6%
European 4%
Indigenous/Others 5%

3. Religions

Protestant Christian 85.6%
Roman Catholic 6.3%
Rastafarian Movement 1.5%
Other or Unspecified 6.6%

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 21.61%
15-64 years: 66.91%
65 years and over: 11.48%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 49.7
Youth Dependency Ratio: 32.3
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 17.4

6. Median Age

Total: 34.6 years
Male: 33.7 years
Female: 35.5 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity: 26.9% of the adult population
Alcohol Consumption: 6.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco Use: 9.8% of adults

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.4. 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): 78.2%. 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:14.24. 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:13. 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: 1.89. 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): 69.1%. 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: 58,185. 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):21.40%. 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 Vincent and the Grenadines has a small military force, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, which is responsible for maritime security and law enforcement. It operates a few patrol boats and small vessels. The country also maintains a Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to handle internal security and law enforcement matters.

Military Expenditures

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has minimal military spending, accounting for less than 1% of its GDP over the last five years. The country’s military expenditures rank among the lowest globally.

Personnel Strengths

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a small active-duty military force of around 200 personnel serving in the Coast Guard. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has approximately 800 officers responsible for maintaining internal security.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard operates a limited number of small patrol vessels and boats acquired from other countries. The country has no significant domestic military production capabilities or major ongoing acquisitions.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have mandatory military service. Voluntary enlistment in the Coast Guard is open to citizens between the ages of 18 and 35.

Military Deployments

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have any significant overseas military deployments or participation in international peacekeeping missions.

Strategic Military Notes

Defense Strategy

As a small island nation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ primary defense focus is on maritime security, counternarcotics operations, and disaster response within its territorial waters and coastal areas.

International Security Role

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a limited international security role due to the size and capabilities of its military forces. However, it collaborates with regional partners and organizations, such as the Regional Security System (RSS), to address security challenges in the Caribbean region.

  • 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 0.66
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 65.90%. 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.

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