Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual island nation in the Caribbean. The country lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. One of the facts about Saint Kitts and Nevis, is known for its mountains and beaches always overcast with clouds.
The official language is English, and the currency is East Caribbean dollar. Here are ten other interesting facts about Saint Kitts and Nevis you would love to know about the country.
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Population: 54,191 (2013) World Bank
Capital: Basseterre
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Monarch: Elizabeth 11
Governor-General: Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton
Prime Minister: Timothy Harris
Continent: Oceania
System of Government: Monarchy
Official Language: English
Interesting Facts About Saint Kitts and Nevis
1. CANDID RESPONSES
Almost everywhere else in the world, if you ask people how they are, they say, “I’m fine”, even when they have a headache or something like that. It is not so in Saint Kitts and Nevis. If you ask people that question in that country, be prepared for the truth.
2. NO FORMAL PARTINGS
After a meeting, a conversation with friends, in other parts of the world, people usually say the parting word “goodbye.” Not so in Saint Kitts and Nevis. They don’t often feel the need to say the parting word or any overly enthusiastic ending.
3. NO TOUCHING
In the country, most people value their personal space. Touching is not something people do flagrantly. They would be comfortable to have some 2-3 feet of space between them and someone with whom they are having a conversation.
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4. “CARIBBEAN TIME” IS NO TIME
Time on the island is categorized as “Caribbean Time.” This appellation can be anything from being an hour late to never showing at all. The concept of punctuality is as the English dictionary presents it does not apply in the country. It is generally known that everything starts at least a half hour later than scheduled.
5. SOCIETY IS MATRIARCHAL
Saint Kitts and Nevis is basically matriarchal. That means the mother/wife is the head of the family. Yes, many women run good businesses and some are even breadwinners. But they are also responsible for keeping house and children.
6. OFFENSIVE BECKONING
One of the facts about Saint Kitts and Nevis is that men are extremely forward in the country’s custom. As a woman, you are more likely to get several men asking you out on any day. Some out-rightly even propose to the women. And their most popular way of beckoning is the “psst” hissing. A woman who appears vulnerable is more open to this. If you so much as accept an invitation from a man to walk you home, it is mostly taken as the start of a courting ritual.
7. DRINKING AGE MATTERS NOT
The legal alcohol drinking age on the island is 21. This, of course, is not well enforced. The population is not that large, therefore people always know who is of age. Still, many men and younger people mix and drink together on street corners and other local hangouts on weekends.
8. CANNABIS SMOKED ALL OVER
Cannabis is very common on the island, much more common than cigarettes. It is common to see and/or smell it from time to time, place to place. And some people smoke it right on the street even though it is against the law. Police officers may or may not turn a blind eye on local rastas. But a foreigner who attempts it does so at his/her own risk. No police would turn a blind eye on any foreigner who breaks the marijuana law.
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9. DRINK DRIVING RAMPANT
All over the world, it is illegal to drive after drinking alcohol. Saint Kitts and Nevis is not an exception. The exception however is in the enforcement of the enabling law. It is hard to see police enforcing that law in the country. In fact, records of DUI (Driving under the Influence) arrests are hardly available.
10. NO SKIMPY DRESSING
Skimpy dressing is a NO-NO! There exists today a gossipy trend on the island. And such style of dressing would get tongues wagging to the dresser’s detriment. Plus, that way of dressing will definitely trigger loads of men pestering.
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