Saint Christopher and Nevis

Saint Christopher and Nevis, officially St. Christopher-Nevis, Caribbean island state of the British West Indies, in the Leeward Islands. The area is 101 sq mi (262 sq km); the capital is Basseterre, on Saint Christopher (commonly known as Saint Kitts). Discovered (1493) by Columbus, the islands were awarded to Britain (1783) after struggles with France. Autonomy in internal affairs was granted in 1967, followed by full independence in 1983. In 1998 a referendum was held on Nevis, at which occasion votes for independence dominated.