Sunday, February 10, 2013

St. Kitts & Nevis

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis located in the Leeward Islands, is a federal two-island state in the West Indies. It is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas, in both area and population.
The capital city and headquarters of government for the federated state is Basseterre on the larger island of Saint Kitts. The smaller island of Nevis lies about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Saint Kitts, across a shallow channel called "The Narrows".

 © Kimagic Photo & Design
A Spanish expedition under Christopher Columbus discovered and claimed the island for Spain in 1493. The island alternated repeatedly between English and French control during the 17th and 18th centuries, as one power took the whole island, only to have it switch hands due to treaties or further military action. Parts of the island were heavily fortified, as exemplified by UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brimstone Hill.
The card shows the Brimstone Hill Fortress, which was added to the UNESCO WHS list in 1999. It was designed by British military engineers and built and maintained by African slaves. It is one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. - in: wikipedia

© Kimagic Photo & Design
Nevis was first sighted by Columbus in 1493.
 Its area is 93 km² and capital is Charlestown. Nevis is conical in shape with a volcanic peak known as Nevis Peak at its center.
Nevis Peak (985 m /3,232 ft) is the dormant remnant of one of these ancient stratovolcanoes. The last activity took place about 100,000 years ago, but active fumaroles and hot springs are still found on the island, the most recent formed in 1953. - in: wikipedia

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