Saint Kitts and Nevis explained to kids

Saint Kitts and Nevis are two small islands in the Caribbean Sea. They are located near the island of Puerto Rico and to the south of the island of Hispaniola. Saint Kitts and Nevis are part of the Lesser Antilles island chain. The capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Basseterre. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is about 51,000. The two islands were originally inhabited by the Carib people. The first European to visit the islands was Christopher Columbus in 1493. The Spanish soon began to settle the islands, but they were driven out by the English in 1623. Saint Kitts and Nevis became British colonies in 1713. The islands were part of the colony of the Leeward Islands from 1871 until 1956. Saint Kitts and Nevis became a separate colony in 1967. Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1983. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is based on tourism and agriculture. Sugar cane was formerly the main crop grown on Saint Kitts. However, the sugar industry has declined in recent years. Nevis is home to the Four Seasons Resort, one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. The people of Saint Kitts and Nevis are called Kittitians and Nevisians. Most Kittitians and Nevisians are of African descent. There is also a small community of people of European descent. English is the official language of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two horizontal stripes, one red and one green. There is also a black-and-white triangle on the left side of the flag. The triangle contains a yellow sun with eight black rays.