Saint Kitts together with the neighboring island of Nevis constitutes the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis – the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The island is approximately 1,300 miles (2,100 km) southeast of Miami, Florida or a 45-minute plane ride from Puerto Rico, where majority of the population are of African descent who speak fluent English with French influence. The residents are called Kittitians (not Kittians.) The island is home to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortress built of volcanic rock.
The island of the two-island nation is the city of Basseterre located on Saint Kitts island with modern port facilities that can accommodate large cruise ships. The island is characterized by steep mountains on the interior and magnificent beaches on the coastal areas with three distinct volcanic peaks towering majestically in the background.
Similar to the other Caribbean nations, the culture on St. Kitts and Nevis is very festive and vibrant. Carnivals and other street festivities are important part of the country’s cultural background. A popular aspect of Carnival, Masquerade (or Mas) is a result of three centuries of African and European cultural mix evolving into a unique tradition. The two-island nation is also known for a number of musical celebrations which is deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage including the St. Kitts Music Festival and the Culturama among others. The vibrant culture of this nation is made even more exciting by the islands natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters and white sandy beaches which offers some of the still unspoiled ecology in the Caribbean. Lava formations, tropical forest areas and seaside lagoons are just among the many magnificent and exotic features this nation has to offer. An interesting note: experts have charted several hundred shipwrecks around the island, dating back to the 17th century.