Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a former British colony, became an independent nation on October 27, 1979. The country comprises the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of very small islands lying between Saint Vincent and Grenada called the Grenadines. The Grenadines extend 72 km to the southwest and the major islands north to south are Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit Saint Vincent.

The country’s economy revolves mainly around agriculture. The export of bananas accounts for most of the foreign exchange earned. There is a growing tourist sector particularly in the Grenadines, which boasts some of the finest beaches and sailing waters in the world. There is also a small manufacturing sector and a small offshore financial sector.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth. The Queen, represented by a Governor-General, is the titular Head of State.