Eastern Caribbean, Windward Islands.

GMT - 4.

St Vincent: 344 sq km (133 sq miles). Grenadines: 45.3 sq km (17.3 sq miles). Total: 389.3 sq km (150.3 sq miles).

118,432 (official estimate 2008).

305 per sq km.

Kingstown. Population: 29,000 (estimate 2003).

St Vincent & the Grenadines make up part of the Windward Islands and lie south of St Lucia. The highest point on St Vincent is the volcanic peak of La Soufrière (1,219m/4,000ft). The ‘tail’ of the comet of St Vincent (the Grenadines) is a string of islands and cays that splays south from Bequia (pronounced Beck-Way), Petit Nevis, Isle à Quatre and Pigeon Island to Battowia, Baliceaux, Mustique, Petit Mustique, Savan, Canouan, Petit Canouan, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent. All of the Grenadines are famous for their white beaches, clear waters and verdant scenery.

Constitutional monarachy. Gained independence from the UK in 1979.

Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor General Frederick Ballantyne since 2002.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves since March 2001.

Gonsalves' Unity Labour Party won a second term in the December 2005 elections. The party secured 12 of the 15 seats in parliament. The remaining seats are held by the New Democratic Party.

English is mostly spoken as well as some French patois.

Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz (except Petit St Vincent which has 110 volts AC, 60Hz).

The Vincentians are fun-loving and easy-going people, and the informal and relaxed lifestyle combines many English influences with West Indian. All visitors are made welcome and casual wear is widely acceptable. Refrain, however, from wearing beachwear or mini shorts on the streets or while shopping.