Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; US interests are monitored by the embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados
Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red
@Saint Kitts and Nevis:Economy
Economy-overview: The economy has traditionally depended on the growing and processing of sugarcane; decreasing world prices have hurt the industry in recent years. Tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking activity have assumed larger roles. Most food is imported. The government has undertaken a program designed to revitalize the faltering sugar sector. It is also working to improve revenue collection in order to better fund social programs. In 1997 some leaders in Nevis were urging separation from Saint Kitts on the basis that Nevis was paying far more in taxes than it was receiving in government services.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$235 million (1996 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 5.8% (1996 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$5,700 (1996 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 22% services: 72% (1996 est.)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 3.1% (1996)
Labor force: total: 18,172 (June 1995) by occupation: services 69%, manufacturing 31%