Country exposure · VC

Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Central America N Caribbean · Kingstown · parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

What Saint Vincent and the Grenadines means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$6M

U.S. imports, 2025

-23%

change in one year

$145M

U.S. exports, 2025

101K

Population

$1.2B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines makes

America bought $6M in goods from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2025 — down 23% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Nonmonetary gold

$3M41.1%

Fish and shellfish

fish, shrimp, shellfish

$2M24.4%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$880K13.8%

Copper

copper for wiring

$652K10.3%

Minimum value shipments

$200K3.1%

Alcoholic beverages, excluding wine

spirits and liquor

$107K1.7%

Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.

$70K1.1%

Bauxite and aluminum

aluminum for cans and autos

$61K1%

Pharmaceutical preparations

medicines and pharmacy items

$51K0.8%

Tea, spices, etc.

tea and spices

$50K0.8%

2026 so far (through April): $3M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$145M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Fuel oil

$21M

Minimum value shipments

$16M

Meat, poultry, etc.

$16M

Petroleum products, other

$7M

Logs and lumber

$7M

Wheat

$6M

green coffee for roasters

Finished metal shapes

$3M

Other foods

$3M

Passenger cars, new and used

$2M

new and used cars

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

Central America N Caribbean · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Resistance from native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. France and England disputed the island for most of the 18th century, but it was ceded to England in 1783. The British prized Saint Vincent because of its fertile soil, which allowed for thriving slave-run plantations of sugar, coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton, and cocoa. In 1834, the British abolished slavery. Immigration of indentured servants eased the ensuing labor shortage, as did subsequent immigrant waves from Portugal and East India. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers, however, as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the early 1900s. The economy then went into a period of decline, with many landowners abandoning their estates and leaving the land to be cultivated by liberated slaves. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979. In 2021, the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in the north of Saint Vincent destroyed much of Saint Vincent’s most productive agricultural lands. Unlike most of its tourism-dependent neighbors, the Vincentian economy is primarily agricultural.

Regional map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Geography

Location
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Area
389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km)
Climate
tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Terrain
volcanic, mountainous
Natural resources
hydropower, arable land
Coastline
84 km
Natural hazards
hurricanes; La Soufrière volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat volcanism: La Soufrière (1,234 m) last erupted in 1979; the island of Saint Vincent is part of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south

People & society

Population
100,647 (2024 est.)
Nationality
Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)
Ethnic groups
African descent 71.2%, mixed 23%, Indigenous 3%, East Indian/Indian 1.1%, European 1.5%, other 0.2% (2012 est.)
Languages
English, Vincentian Creole English, French patois
Religions
Protestant 75% (Pentecostal 27.6%, Anglican 13.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.6%, Baptist 8.9%, Methodist 8.7%, Evangelical 3.8%, Salvation Army 0.3%, Presbyterian/Congregational 0.3%), Roman Catholic 6.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%, other 4.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 4.7% (2012 est.)
Median age
38.1 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
77.2 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
upper middle-income Caribbean island economy; key agriculture and tourism sectors; environmentally fragile; diversifying economy across services, science and knowledge, and creative industries; CARICOM member and US Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary
Industries
tourism; food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch
Agricultural products
bananas, root vegetables, plantains, spices, coconuts, fruits, apples, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, sweet potatoes (2023)
Exports - partners
Croatia 16%, Barbados 14%, USA 10%, St. Lucia 10%, St. Kitts & Nevis 8% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 37%, Italy 7%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, China 6%, UK 6% (2023)

Government

Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
Kingstown
Independence
27 October 1979 (from the UK)
Constitution
previous 1969, 1975; latest drafted 26 July 1979, effective 27 October 1979 (The Saint Vincent Constitution Order 1979)
Executive branch
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Stanley JOHN (since 6 January 2026)
Legislative branch
House of Assembly

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
Resistance from native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. France and England disputed the island for most of the 18th century, but it was ceded to England in 1783. The British prized Saint Vincent because of its fertile soil, which allowed for thriving slave-run plantations of sugar, coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton, and cocoa. In 1834, the British abolished slavery. Immigration of indentured servants eased the ensuing labor shortage, as did subsequent immigrant waves from Portugal and East India. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers, however, as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the early 1900s. The economy then went into a period of decline, with many landowners abandoning their estates and leaving the land to be cultivated by liberated slaves. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979. In 2021, the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in the north of Saint Vincent destroyed much of Saint Vincent’s most productive agricultural lands. Unlike most of its tourism-dependent neighbors, the Vincentian economy is primarily agricultural.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate
US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines +(246) 227-4399; EMER: +(246) 227-4000; US Embassy Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.; BridgetownACS@state.gov; https://bb.usembassy.gov
Telephone Code
784
Local Emergency Phone
999, 911
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Currency (Code)
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V, 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, G
Major Languages
English, Vincentian Creole English, French patois
Major Religions
Protestant 75%, Roman Catholic 6.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Tobago Cays; Montreal Gardens; La Soufriere cross country trail; Firefly Plantation in Bequia; Botanical Gardens in Kingstown; Dark View Falls; Vermont Natural Trail; Fort Duvernette; Bequia Beach; Union Beach
Major Sports
Rugby, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball, tennis
Cultural Practices
Avoid cursing or using foul language as it is considered a criminal offense.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 10% is usually added to a restaurant or hotel bill, but if not, leave at least 10-15% depending on your satisfaction with the service. Tip taxi drivers 10%, bellhops $2 (USD) per bag, and housekeeping $2 per night.
Souvenirs
Sailboat models, recreational boats, handmade jewelry, handmade clothing, spices and hot sauces, straw-made items, grass rugs
Traditional Cuisine
Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish — whole breadfruit are roasted over an open fire; the jackfish is typically marinated in lemon juice, coated in flour, and then fried; a sauce made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, or other herbs and vegetables is usually served alongside the dish
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022

Geography
Location
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Geographic coordinates
13 15 N, 61 12 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area - total
389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km)
Area - land
389 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
twice the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries - total
0 km
Coastline
84 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
200 nm
Climate
tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Terrain
volcanic, mountainous
Elevation - highest point
La Soufriere 1,234 m
Elevation - lowest point
Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources
hydropower, arable land
Land use - agricultural land
17.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 5.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
73.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
8.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
10 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in and around the capital of Kingstown
Natural hazards
hurricanes; La Soufrière volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat volcanism: La Soufrière (1,234 m) last erupted in 1979; the island of Saint Vincent is part of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south
Geography - note
the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is composed of 32 islands and cays
People and Society
Population - total
100,647 (2024 est.)
Population - male
51,249
Population - female
49,398
Nationality - noun
Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)
Nationality - adjective
Saint Vincentian or Vincentian
Ethnic groups
African descent 71.2%, mixed 23%, Indigenous 3%, East Indian/Indian 1.1%, European 1.5%, other 0.2% (2012 est.)
Languages
English, Vincentian Creole English, French patois
Religions
Protestant 75% (Pentecostal 27.6%, Anglican 13.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.6%, Baptist 8.9%, Methodist 8.7%, Evangelical 3.8%, Salvation Army 0.3%, Presbyterian/Congregational 0.3%), Roman Catholic 6.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%, other 4.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 4.7% (2012 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
18.8% (male 9,527/female 9,353)
Age structure - 15-64 years
68.2% (male 35,401/female 33,288)
Age structure - 65 years and over
13% (2024 est.) (male 6,321/female 6,757)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
46.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
27.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
19 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
5.3 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
38.1 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
37.7 years
Median age - female
37.4 years
Population growth rate
-0.15% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
11.72 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.75 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-5.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in and around the capital of Kingstown
Urbanization - urban population
54.3% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
27,000 KINGSTOWN (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.94 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
56 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
12 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
13.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
10.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
77.2 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
75.2 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
79.3 years
Total fertility rate
1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.85 (2025 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
8.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.66 physicians/1,000 population (2012)
Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 90.2% of population
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
7.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
4.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
6.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
12.6% national budget (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
15 years (2015 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
14 years (2015 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
15 years (2015 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
none
Country name - conventional short form
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Country name - etymology
explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island after Saint VINCENT of Saragossa because 22 January 1498, the day of discovery, was the saint's feast day
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital - name
Kingstown
Capital - geographic coordinates
13 08 N, 61 13 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick
Legal system
English common law
Constitution - history
previous 1969, 1975; latest drafted 26 July 1979, effective 27 October 1979 (The Saint Vincent Constitution Order 1979)
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections on fundamental rights and freedoms, citizen protections, various government functions and authorities, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum of at least two thirds of the votes cast, and assent of the governor general
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
yes
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Stanley JOHN (since 6 January 2026)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Godwin FRIDAY (since 28 November 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime minister also appointed by governor general on the advice of the prime minister
Legislative branch - legislature name
House of Assembly
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
22 (15 directly elected; 6 appointed)
Legislative branch - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
11/27/2025
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
United Labour Party (ULP) (9); New Democratic Party (NDP) (6)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
21.7%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
November 2030
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
magistrates' courts
Political parties
New Democratic Party or NDP SVG Green Party or SVGP Unity Labor Party or ULP (formed in 1994 by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Lou-Anne Gaylene GILCHRIST (since 18 January 2017)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1627 K Street, NW, Suite 704, Washington, DC 20006
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 364-6730
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 364-6736
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WTO
Independence
27 October 1979 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day, 27 October (1979)
Flag
description: three vertical bands of blue (left side), gold (double-width), and green; the gold band has three green diamonds arranged in a "V" pattern that stands for "Vincent" meaning: the diamonds represent the islands as "the Gems of the Antilles" and are set slightly lowered in the gold band to reflect the country's position in the Antilles; blue stands for the tropical sky and sea, yellow for the sand, and green for vegetation
National symbol(s)
Saint Vincent parrot
National color(s)
blue, gold, green
National anthem(s) - title
"God Save the King"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
unknown
National anthem(s) - history
in use since 1745
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Caribbean island economy; key agriculture and tourism sectors; environmentally fragile; diversifying economy across services, science and knowledge, and creative industries; CARICOM member and US Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$1.883 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$1.809 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$1.718 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
4.1% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
5.3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
3.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$18,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$17,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$16,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.157 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.6% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5.7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
3.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
15.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
66.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
bananas, root vegetables, plantains, spices, coconuts, fruits, apples, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, sweet potatoes (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism; food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch
Industrial production growth rate
7.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
52,100 (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
18.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
18.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
19.5% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
41.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
41.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
41.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Remittances - Remittances 2024
8.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
8.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$226.404 million (2017 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$208.744 million (2017 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2016
82.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
23.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$156.589 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$180.43 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$199.727 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$425.182 million (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$345.098 million (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$278.292 million (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Croatia 16%, Barbados 14%, USA 10%, St. Lucia 10%, St. Kitts & Nevis 8% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, wheat flours, animal food, shellfish, construction vehicles (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$641.179 million (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$588.865 million (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$540.833 million (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 37%, Italy 7%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, China 6%, UK 6% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, wheat, coal, poultry (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$316.824 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$280.564 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$320.193 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$456.971 million (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
2.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
2.7 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
55,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
140.316 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
10.868 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
86.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
12.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
8 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
8,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
37.253 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
10,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
10 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
103,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
100 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 TV station and 5 repeater stations that provide near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service available; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately owned radio stations and repeater stations
Internet country code
.vc
Internet users - percent of population
76% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
31,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
30 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
J8
Airports
5 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
830 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 30, container ship 18, general cargo 137, oil tanker 16, other 629
Ports - total ports
1 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
0
Ports - ports with oil terminals
1
Ports - key ports
Kingstown
Military and Security
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Ministry of National Security: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVPF) (2025)
Military - note
the country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from boats; poor land-use planning; deforestation; watershed management; squatter settlement control
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Land use - agricultural land
17.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 5.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
73.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
8.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
54.3% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
19,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
249,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
9.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
31,600 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
13.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
8.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
2,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
0 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
100 million cubic meters (2022 est.)