Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, in the Leeward Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas, in both area and population (261 km2 and 53,000 inhabitants in July 2019). The country is a Commonwealth realm, with Elizabeth II as queen and head of state. The islands were discovered through a Spanish expedition under Columbus in 1493, and was home to the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean, being titled "The Mother Colony of the West Indies."
They are of volcanic origin, with large central peaks covered in tropical rainforest; the steeper slopes leading to these peaks are mostly uninhabited. The majority of the population on both islands (consisting primarily of descendants of western Africans) lives closer to the sea where the terrain flattens out. Agriculture is the principal economic activity, although tourism is of increasing importance.
The flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of a yellow-edged black band containing two white stars that divides diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner, with a green upper triangle and red lower triangle. Adopted in 1983, it has been the flag of the federation since the country gained independence that year. The colours and symbols of the flag carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The green alludes to the country's fertile land, while the red evokes the fight for freedom against slavery and colonialism. The yellow stripes represent the sunshine the islands enjoy all year round, and the black epitomises the people's African origins. The two stars on the black band symbolise hope and liberty.
The coat of arms was adopted also in 1983. The centre 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis.
About the stamp
The stamp depict a great cormorant / phalacrocorax carbo.
References
Saint Kitts and Nevis - Wikipedia
Sender: Denise
Sent from Basseterre (Saint Kitts / Saint Kitts and Nevis), on 09.04.2018
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