The majority of the population is Protestant. English is the official language, but a French patois is also widely spoken. Primary education is free but not compulsory. A small international airport is at Arnos Vale. Agriculture is the major element of the economy, employing almost 60 percent of the work force.
Bananas are the chief cash crop and the most valuable export.
Saint Vincent is the world's largest producer of arrowroot. Other crops include copra, coconuts, yams, sweet potatoes, cassavas, and carrots. Food processing is the chief manufacturing activity. Fishing, lumbering, and tourism are also significant. Christopher Columbus visited Saint Vincent in 1498.