Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis Regions map

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Nevis Aerial

Nevis Charlestown

Nevis is an island in the Caribbean Sea that forms part of the inner arc of the Leeward Islands chain of the West Indies. Nevis and the neighbouring island of Saint Kitts constitute one country: the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Nevis lies near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 350 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico and 80 km west of Antigua. Its area is 93 square kilometers, and it has a population of approximately 12,000. The island's capital is Charlestown.

History

Nevis was originally inhabited by the indigenous Amerindians, specifically the Carib and Arawak peoples. Christopher Columbus is thought to have been the first European to sight the island in 1493, but it was the British who first settled Nevis in 1628. The island's economy historically depended on sugar cane cultivation, which thrived due to the fertile volcanic soil and the labor of enslaved Africans. In the late 18th century, Nevis became one of the wealthiest of the British Leeward Islands, but the abolition of slavery in 1834 led to economic decline.

Geography

Nevis is characterized by its central peak, Nevis Peak, an inactive volcano that rises to 985 meters. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is known for its sandy beaches, including Pinney's Beach and Oualie Beach. The climate is tropical with little variation, moderated by constant sea breezes.

Government

As part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the island's political system is a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The monarch of Saint Kitts and Nevis is represented on Nevis by a Deputy Governor-General, while the local government is headed by a Premier. The Nevis Island Assembly is responsible for local legislation.

Economy

The economy of Nevis has diversified in recent decades. While agriculture, particularly the cultivation of coconuts and cotton, remains important, tourism and offshore banking have become significant sources of revenue. The island is known for its luxury resorts and unspoiled natural beauty, which attract visitors from around the world.

Culture

Nevisian culture is a blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences. Music and dance are important cultural expressions, with traditions such as the Nevis Culturama, a festival that celebrates Emancipation Day, being highlights of the island's cultural calendar. Cricket is the most popular sport, reflecting the British influence on the island.

Education

Education in Nevis is compulsory up to the age of 16, and the island has a number of primary and secondary schools, as well as a community college that offers tertiary education in association with the University of the West Indies.

Notable People

Nevis is the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who was born in Charlestown in 1755.

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