26 October 2012 Last updated at 09:41 ET 
Of the many islands and cays that make up the Grenadines, Mustique, Palm Island and Union Island are haunts of the rich and famous – offering yachting, diving and fine beaches.
These playgrounds are worlds away from the many Vincentians who are without jobs. High unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands.
Continue reading the main story Politics: Ralph Gonsalves, aka “Comrade Ralph”, won a third term as prime minister in 2010 by a slender marginEconomy: The banana industry is the biggest sector of the agricultural economy; a new international airport is under constructionInternational: Prime Minister Gonsalves has cultivated close ties with Venezuela and its leader Hugo ChavezCountry profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring
Like other countries in the Windwards chain, St Vincent and the Grenadines has tried to reduce its reliance on banana exports after the European Union phased out preferential treatment to producers from former colonies.Efforts to diversify the economy have been partially successful. Tourism is said to have great potential and there are plans to build an international airport. But the banana crop remains vital, accounting for around a third of export earnings.
Like many other Caribbean countries, St Vincent and the Grenadines has fallen victim to drug-related crime. Efforts have been made to tackle marijuana cultivation.
The country has taken steps to curb money-laundering, and a Paris-based organisation dedicated to tackling the issue has removed St Vincent and the Grenadines from its list of non-cooperative countries.
Beautiful bays and fine beaches attract many wealthy tourists View the original article here
St Vincent and the Grenadines profile
