What Is The Capital Of Saint Kitts And Nevis?

The smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the West Indies in the Lesser Antilles. The country has an area of 261 square km and hosts a population of only around 54,821 people. The country has two main islands from where it derives its name. These are the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The highest point in the country is located at an elevation of 3,793 ft. It is Mount Liamuiga located on the island of Saint Kitts. All of the islands of the country are of volcanic origin. The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Basseterre. 

What Type Of Government Does The Country Have?

The country is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Here, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. Although she does not reside in the country, she is represented by a Governor-General who primarily performs the ceremonial duties of the government. The Prime Minister is an elected representative who heads the executive branch of the government. The Prime Minister and his cabinet of ministers together conduct the affairs of the state. The unicameral legislature of the nation comprises of 14 members. 11 of these members are elected by popular vote. The Governor-General appoints the other three members (called the Senators).

What Is The Capital Of Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Basseterre is the capital of the country and one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean region. It has an area of only 6.1 square km and a population of around 13,000. The population density there is around 2,541 persons per square km. The average elevation is 50 feet.

Where Is Basseterre Located?

Basseterre is located on the coast of the Basseterre Bay in the southwestern part of the Saint Kitts island. It is part of the Basseterre Valley that is nearly completely surrounded by verdurous mountains and hills. The peaks of the Conaree-Morne and the Olivees Mountains lie to the east and north of the town, respectively. Two rivers, the Westbourne and the College, drain the city. Basseterre experiences a tropical rainforest climate.

History Of Basseterre

Basseterre was founded in 1627 by the famous French trader and adventurer named Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc. The settlement became the capital of the French colony of Saint-Christophe. This colony comprised of the northern and southern extremities of the Saint Kitts island. The central area was under British control. The importance of Basseterre was enhanced when it was turned into a large and functional port that played a significant role in the Eastern Caribbean trade and colonization activities. As the town grew and developed, it was made the capital of the larger French colony of the French West Indies. When the island of Saint Kitts came under full British control in 1727 after the expulsion of the French from the island, Basseterre became the capital of the entire island. Throughout its history, the city was ravaged by many wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, riots, and fires. Finally, on September 19, 1983, it became the capital of the independent nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis after the nation earned its independence from British rule.

Role Of Basseterre As The Capital Of Saint Kitts and Nevis?

As the capital of the country, Basseterre hosts the important offices and ministries of the government, the residences of the highest government officials, the meeting place of the National Assembly, etc. The city is also the financial center and a major industrial hub in the Eastern Caribbean region. A number of commodities like salt, apparels, beverages, etc., are exported from Basseterre.