Eastern Caribbean, Leeward Islands.

GMT - 4.

St Kitts: 176.1 sq km (66.1 sq miles). Nevis: 93.3 sq km (36 sq miles). Total: 269.4 sq km (104 sq smiles).

46,000 (UN estimate 2006).

171 per sq km.

Basseterre. Population: 13,000 (UN estimate 2003).

St Kitts (officially known as St Christopher) lies in the northern part of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. The high central body of the island is made up of three groups of rugged volcanic peaks split by deep ravines. The vegetation on the central mountain range is rainforest, thinning higher up to dense bushy cover. From here, the island’s volcanic crater, Mount Liamuiga, rises to almost 1,200m (4,000ft). The foothills, particularly to the north, form a gently rolling landscape of sugar-cane plantations and grassland, while uncultivated lowland slopes are covered with thick tropical woodland and exotic fruits such as papaya, mangoes, avocados, bananas and breadfruit. To the southeast of the island, a low-lying peninsula, on which there are many excellent beaches, stretches towards Nevis.

Some 3km (2 miles) to the south and only minutes away by air or ferry across The Narrows channel is the smaller island of Nevis, which is almost circular in shape. The island is skirted by miles of silver-sand beaches, golden coconut groves and a calm, turquoise sea in which great brown pelicans dive for the rich harvest of fish. The central peak of the island, Nevis Peak, is 985m (3,232ft) high and its tip is usually capped with white clouds. The mountain is flanked on the north and south sides by two lesser mountains, Saddle Hill and Hurricane Hill, which once served as look-out posts for Nelson’s fleet. Hurricane Hill on the north side commands a view of St Kitts and Barbuda. On the island’s west side, massed rows of palm trees form a coconut forest. There are pleasant coral beaches on the island’s north and west coasts.

Constitutional monarchy since 1983. Gained independence from the UK in 1983.

Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor General Sir Cuthbert Montroville Sebastian since 1996.

Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas since 1995.

Denzil Douglas was re-elected for a third consecutive term in October 2004. Tourism development and social projects are among his priorities. However, his government has failed to rejuvenate the ailing sugar industry and deal with the country's large debt.

The official language is English.

Anglican and other Christian denominations.

230 volts AC, 60Hz (117 volts available in some hotels).

All visitors to the islands are cordially welcomed; marriages are valid after two days’ residence. Islanders maintain traditions of calypso dancing and music and this can be seen particularly during the summer months. Dress is informal at most hotels. Beach attire is not appropriate for around town, in shops or in restaurants. Nudity is not permitted on any beach. For more formal occasions and functions, a lightweight suit and tie is recommended. It is illegal to dress in camouflaged clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.