Named from its shape - like an eel. British colony first colonized by the English in 1650. It was formerly governed with St Kitts Nevis, as the British government intended that the islands should become independent as a unitary state. In 1967 the inhabitants refused to join the new state grouping the three islands and at the request of the people in 1971 it was restored to colonial status.

Its nearest neighbor is the Dutch/French island of St Maartin in the Netherlands Antilles which is only 8 kilometers away. St Kitts is 96 kilometers away.

Creole

English

British Overseas Territory with local council and British administrator.

Islanders were awarded full British citizenship in 21 May 2002. However, British citizens do not have the right to move there.