nevis

Nevis is an island in the Caribbean Sea that forms part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It lies about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of Saint Kitts and covers roughly 93 square kilometers. The island is volcanic in origin and features a central highland region topped by Nevis Peak, which rises to 985 meters. Its coastline includes beaches, bays, and tropical rainforest.

Historically, Nevis was inhabited by Arawak and Carib peoples before European contact. It was settled by the English in the 17th century and developed as a sugar-producing colony using enslaved labor. In the late 19th and 20th centuries it remained part of the British colony of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, alongside Saint Kitts and Anguilla. Anguilla separated in 1980, and Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983 as a federation within the Commonwealth.

Administratively, Nevis maintains a degree of self-government through the Nevis Island Administration, with its capital at Charlestown. The Premier of Nevis serves as head of the island administration, while the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has a federal government. The population is around 12,000. The official language is English, and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).

Economy on Nevis centers on tourism, agriculture, and services. Visitors are drawn to Nevis Peak and the island’s geothermal features, historic plantations, beaches, and historic sites. Transportation includes the Vance W. Amory International Airport on Nevis and a regular ferry service to Saint Kitts, facilitating movement between the islands.