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Originally Posted by Anonymous725
I am not too sure. If it's anything like the UK or Canadian system, I think so. It's mostly HM/Queen's country there.
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I am not sure why an Economic citizen would even be interested in finding out what their social security is. It is rudimentary as one would expect in a "third world" country, and I think limited to those who pay into the system.
Some one said that it isnt third world, meaning that it isnt filled with severely impoverished people. I will suggest that poverty in SKN is more like one would find in the USA. Hard life, but not hordes of beggars/vendors as one might find even in Jamaica. Almost every one has access to modern amenities (water indoor plumbing, etc) , and a large % have internet access as well. Literacy levels are high, and over 60% complete high school.
SKN is the smallest nation in the Americas and the second smallest in the world. It has an economy largely dependent on tourism, inclusive of off shore medical and vet colleges. SK has emerged as a major cruise destination in the E/Caribbean. Some say because it lies near to must stop destinations like St Maarten and St Thomas, but offers a very different product.
Both islands are much more mountainous than their neighboring islands, and many parts are lush, so it lends itself to the active visitor who likes hiking through the rainforest and up the volcano (SK has the 14th highest mountain peak in the ENTIRE Caribbean-surprising given the small size of the island).
Ziplining, golf and the usual water sports are also other activities. Brimstone Hill is one of the best preserved historic forts in the Caribbean and is a UNESCO site. So different from the very touristy St Thomas and St Maarten. Twice as big with half the population, so less crowded.
It has as a result a large, but rotating US population (maybe as much as 4,000 including students). It also has around 4,000 immigrants from other parts of the Caribbean. The total population, inclusive of these groups is 53k. So, once one gets accustomed to a life style which is laid back EVEN by Caribbean standards, and a fairly high cost of living, an American will get most of what they need.
Both islands are very relaxing most of the time, though not at Xmas, for reasons alluded to here. Like most Caribbean people, they love to party. SK has its carnival at Xmas, and Nevis in early August. Please be warned that it is NOT for prudes.
Electronic assembly is another activity.
I will say that SKN is best for people who wish to relax in a laid back environment, but one which is easily accessable, and with a decent range of activities. More restaurants than one would expect for the small size of the two islands, though, outside of carnival, and the SK Music Festival, its definitely NOT a place for night owls. Nevis for people who wish to hibernate, and SK for those who wish quiet, but also want things to do.
I will say that its best for honeymooners, middle aged and older couples, and families with SMALL kids. It is for people who lead hectic lives, and so seek to relax. Not for those who need action packed vacations. The beaches can be best described as adequate as the islands are geologically recent volcanic, so dont expect to see the tourquiose waters and blindingly white sand beaches of Antigua, Anguilla, or the Virgin Islands. Sand color ranges from black through talcum colored through to golden.
The main benefit of the Economic Ciitizenship has been to allow developers of hotels and villas to raise equity financing for investors, allowing them to procure debt financing. Several projects are in the ground (including a Park Hyatt hotel, and a Koi property based on the restaurant of that name). Citizens of SKN do not need visas to enter Canada or the EU, and so many Chinese, Middle Easterners and Russians are involved because of this. Though some US investors also participate to take advantage of some tax and other incentives involved in acquiring property.
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