Fact 1: The Unique Name Origin
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country in the Caribbean. The name Saint Vincent was given by Christopher Columbus when he discovered the island on the 22nd of January, which is the feast day of Saint Vincent of Saragossa. The term 'Grenadines' on the other hand, refers to a chain of smaller islands that lie to the south of Saint Vincent.
Fact 2: Pirates of the Caribbean Connection
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was the primary filming location for the popular movie series, Pirates of the Caribbean. Several locations in the archipelago were used with the Wallilabou Bay serving as the principal shooting site.
Fact 3: Impressive Volcanic Activity
Saint Vincent is home to La Soufrière, an active volcano that last erupted in April 2021. Despite its potential menace, La Soufrière is a popular tourist attraction, drawing numerous visitors for its breathtaking hikes.
Fact 4: Ethnobotanical Gardens
The Saint Vincent Botanic Gardens established in 1765, is the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere. Apart from preserving unique flora and fauna, the garden was initially established to cultivate medicinal plants.
Fact 5: The National Bird is a Parrot
The Saint Vincent Parrot, also known as the Amazona Guildingii, is the national bird. This parrot is not found anywhere else in the world, adding to the island's unique biodiversity.
Fact 6: Diverse Cultural Influences
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been influenced by a host of different cultures including French, British, African, and Carib (Kalinago). This rich cultural mash-up can be found in the island's music, cuisine, festivals, and language.
Fact 7: Unique Mixture of Religions
Although Christianity is the predominant religion in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, there are also significant communities of Hindus and Spiritual Baptists, a syncretic Afro-Caribbean religious tradition.
Fact 8: Currency Named After a Bird
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' currency is known as the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is abbreviated as EC$. The name derives from the region's beautiful Eastern Caribbean egret bird.
Fact 9: The Blue Lagoon
The island group is home to one of the most famous marinas in the world, the Blue Lagoon Marina, renowned for its crystal clear turquoise waters.
Fact 10: Home to Rare and Unique Species
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines hosts unique wildlife including the rare whistling warbler, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Fact 11: Important Turtle Nesting Grounds
The archipelago is an important nesting ground for leatherback turtles, which are the largest species of turtles in the world.
Fact 12: Breadfruit Introduction
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines played a crucial role in the transportation and proliferation of breadfruit, following Captain Bligh's second voyage to Tahiti in 1793.
Fact 13: British Rule History
The islands were part of the British colony until 1979 when they gained full independence. However, they still share the British monarch as the head of state.
Fact 14: Underwater Sceneries
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are popular for offering top-notch scuba diving sites with clear waters and vibrant, healthy reefs.
Fact 15: Locally Known as Vincy
Interestingly, the local residents often lovingly refer to their country as "Vincy."
Fact 16: Unique Geographical Formation
The islands in the Grenadines chain are actually mountaintops of a submerged volcanic mountain range.
Fact 17: Vincy Mas Festival
The islands hold an annual vibrant Carnival celebration known as "Vincy Mas." It is the biggest festival in the country and is usually held in June or July.
Fact 18: No Private Beaches
There are no private beaches in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This means all beaches are open to the public and are free to access.
Fact 19: Rich in Music
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have produced several music styles such as Big Drum, calypso, soca, steelpan and reggae. In addition, the islands are also the birthplace of Kevin Lyttle, a well-known international artist.
Fact 20: Island of Happy People
Finally, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have often been described as the "island of happy people," known for their warm, friendly, and hospitable demeanor.