Nevis is a 35 sq mile island with a population of approximately 12,000 and is part of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in the western hemisphere.  Nevis is renowned for it's friendly and prosperous people, it's natural beauty, and it's reputation as an upscale vacation destination.  The Nevis Island Administration is very protective of the island people, resources, and reputation.  The population has the highest literacy rate in the western hemisphere, and well above average wages.  Development is strictly regulated to preserve historical and natural resources - no building can be taller than a coconut palm and no building can be done above the 1,000 ft level on the mountain.  For many years, guidebooks have described Nevis as the "Caribbean the way the Caribbean used to be", and with any luck,  Nevis will continue to be that way for many years to come. A Brief History of Nevis What to do in Nevis