NATIONAL DISH OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

St. Kitts and Nevis National Dish

The National dish is Stewed saltfish served with spicy plantains, coconut dumplings
and seasoned breadfruit. It is a tasty blend of locally available vegetables, spices,
coconut and salted cod fish prepared with a distinct St Kitts-Nevis flavor.
 NATIONAL BIRD OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Brown Pelican or Booby

The National Bird of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Brown Pelican. Its scientific name
is Pelecanusoccidentalis. In its youth, its head, neck and upper parts of the body are
brown in colour, and mostly white below.
 NATIONAL FLOWER OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

The national flower is the poinciana or flamboyant, named after Monsieur de Poincy,
the first French Governor of St. Kitts, who is said to have introduced it to the region. Its
scientific name is Delonix Regia and it is said to have originated in Madagascar.
 NATIONAL TREE OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Flamboyant is St. Kitts & Nevis’ National Tree.

After Monsieur de Poincy was appointed as St. Kitts’ first French governor, he
introduced the flamboyant, a tree hailing from Madagascar. Flamboyant is one of the
most strikingly beautiful tropical trees. It shows off an abundant foliage shaded with
yellow and scarlet flowers that bloom in May and August. It grows rapidly, its roots
require a deep soil and it can endure a dry climate.
 THE COAT OF ARMS OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

The St Kitts and Nevis coat of arms was adopted in 1983 and possesses the
motto "Country Above Self". The previous coat of arms, adopted in 1967 used while in
federation with the island of Anguilla was nearly identical, except for coloration and the
motto "Unity in Trinity".

The centre of the coat of arms is dominated by a shield at the base of which is a lighter
in full sail. The lighter is one of the traditional means of transportation. A red chevron is
highlighted by two poinciana flowers.

At the top of the shield on the blue background is the head of a Carib, supported by the
fleur-de-lis and a rose. The Caribs were the early inhabitants of the islands, and the
fleur-de-lis and rose signify the English and the French influences. A helmet topped
with the battlements of a tower appears with a flaming torch upheld by the hands of
an African, European, and a person of mixed descent. The torch signifies the struggle
and quest for freedom by a people of diverse ethnic origins, but united in purpose.

The shield is supported on either side by pelicans (the country's national bird), with
wings extended, displaying a sugar cane plant and the coconut palm tree, which are
extensively cultivated throughout St Kitts and Nevis.
THE STYLE OF DRESSING IN ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Men’s Wear

In St Kitts and Nevis, it is believed that a straw hat trimmed with madras offered
protection from the hot day’s sun. The short sleeved, V-neck jack shirt trimmed with
madras is made from off-white cotton. The design is similar to traditional shirts worn by
Africans. The beige cotton, ankle length pant is a reflection of the local fabrics that were
commonly used during the colonial period.

Women’s Wear

In St Kitts and Nevis, it is customary for African women to wrap their heads for
protection. The main dress is off-white cotton, with a corset top and ankle length, wide
flare petticoat bottom. The beige cotton sleeves are short and puffed using the
drawstring. A short lap skirt made from crocus is worn over the main dress to protect it
from dirt “The Cane Soda Wrap”, which was used to carry soda while fertilizing sugar
cane, is draped around the waist. The crocus drawstring bag was a safe way for
women to secure their money.
 THE LOCATION OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

St Kitts and Nevis is a twin island country with a total landmass of just 270 square kilometres
(104 sq mi). The island of St Kitts, the larger of the two, is 180 square kilometres (68 sq mi) in size
and is located at latitude 17.30 N, and longitude 62.80 W. Nevis is 93 square kilometres (36 sq mi)
and located at latitude 17.10 N, longitude 62.35 W, approximately 3 km south-east of St. Kitts. The
islands are about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago.
 QUICK FACTS ON ST KITTS AND NEVIS

NAME OF COUNTRY : ST KITTS AND NEVIS

CAPITAL OF COUNTRY: BASSETERRE

LANGUAGE OF COUNTRY: ENGLISH LANGUAGE