Time Zone |
America/St_Vincent |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Europe/Guernsey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+1 |
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of the main island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands in the northern part of the Grenadines archipelago, with the capital Kingstown. The country is famous for its volcanic landscape and blue sea, the Soufrière Hills Volcano at the northern end of the main island is an active volcano, and the surrounding tropical rainforest is covered with rich ecological resources. The economy is based on agriculture (bananas, spices) and tourism, and is a destination for divers and sailors for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and friendly atmosphere. The culture is a blend of Caribbean and African traditions, with a carnival full of music and dance, one of the "Pearls of the Caribbean".
The islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayenhem are not independent countries, but are Arctic archipelagic administrations under Norwegian jurisdiction. Located between latitudes 74° and 81° N, Svalbard, with its capital city of Longyearbyen, has a unique international treaty status - the 1920 Treaty of Svalbard grants equal commercial rights to the citizens of the signatory countries, but Norway maintains sovereignty. With 60% of the archipelago covered by glaciers, the archipelago is a major global Arctic research center, with a Chinese Yellow River Station. The population is about 2,700, and polar bears outnumber the residents, who are required to carry weapons for protection.
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard, with an area of 377 square kilometers and no permanent population. The island's volcano, Berenberg, is active, and the Norwegian military operates a weather station and navigation facility there. Together with Svalbard, the island forms Norway's strategic Arctic pivot, and has both scientific and military value.
Svalbard is known as the "Kingdom of Arctic Wildlife", with polar foxes, reindeer and walruses to be spotted during the summer polar days. The city of Longyearbyen prohibits death and procreation (critical cases must leave the island), and has a "Doomsday Seed Bank" to preserve the genes of global crops. Visitors can experience dog sledding and aurora observation, but must adhere to strict environmental regulations.