The island was inhabited by Caribs before Europeans arrived. Unusually in this area, some Caribs still survive on the island (also on St Vincent).

It was first sighted by Columbus in 1493. It was settled first by the French but disputed with the British who finally took it in 1783.

The people include Africans and Europeans. Independent 1978.

Member East Caribbean Currency Union and Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM)

Independent 1979.

English

French

Patois

Creole

Carib

Change of party after 15 years.

Member CARICOM

Banana producer (see Windward).

The coasts might be suitable sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants to produce non-carbon emitting energy, fresh water and mitigation of Hurricanes.