The island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is part of the Windward Islands of the West Indies. The country comprises the island of Saint Vincent and the northern Grenadine Islands. The capital and chief port is Kingstown. Saint Vincent is a mountainous island.
Volcanic mountains run from north to south and are thickly forested.
Most of the people are descendants of black African slaves who were brought by the British to work on sugarcane plantations. 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.