Saint Kitts and Nevis: Geography and Environment

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two island nation in the Eastern Caribbean's Leeward Islands, separated by a narrow channel known as The Narrows. Both islands are volcanic in origin, with Saint Kitts dominated by the dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga and Nevis centered on Nevis Peak. Steep, forested slopes give way to narrow coastal plains where most settlements and agriculture are located.

The climate is tropical, tempered by northeast trade winds, with a wet season from June through November that overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season. Temperatures remain warm and relatively stable throughout the year, with the upper slopes of the volcanic peaks receiving noticeably more rainfall and cooler conditions than the coast.

As the smallest sovereign nation in the Western Hemisphere, Saint Kitts and Nevis faces environmental priorities centered on coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, and safeguarding the rainforest covered volcanic interiors that supply the islands' freshwater. Coral reef conservation and sustainable management of coastal tourism development are also ongoing concerns for both islands.