Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
St Vincent was a stronghold of the Kalinago and the Garifuna, who resisted colonisation until the British exiled many Garifuna in 1797. The country became independent in 1979.
Culture
Vincy Mas, the summer carnival, is the biggest celebration. The Garifuna heritage of St Vincent is honoured on National Heroes Day.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Vincentian Creole is spoken widely.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at about 2.70 to the US dollar.
Popular Attractions
The Grenadines are a sailing paradise, with the Tobago Cays, Bequia and Mustique among the stars. On St Vincent, hikers climb the La Soufrière volcano and visit the Dark View Falls.
Food
Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish is the national dish. Callaloo soup and fresh seafood are common.
Places to Visit
Kingstown, Bequia, Mustique, the Tobago Cays, Union Island, Canouan and La Soufrière.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres