St. Vincent was originally settled by Amerindians. The island gained independence in 1979. Last elections were held in 2001. Next elections by 2006.
Economic activity is predominantly in Agriculture, with bananas being the main export crop.
Flowers and foliage plants are also exported. Other fruits and vegetables, including plantains and sweet potatoes are exported to Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other regional markets. There is a small manufacturing sector catering primarily for the regional markets. A brewery and a rice and flour mill are in full operation along with electronic components assembly ventures Tourism is concentrated mainly on the Grenadines island chain, where there are high quality beaches featuring luxury villas, hotels and yachts. A small offshore financial sector came on stream from about the mid 1990s.