Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, independent country in the West Indies, consisting of the island of Saint Vincent and the northern islands of the Grenadines group. Part of the Windward Islands group in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines lies south of Saint Lucia and north of Grenada. The largest of the Grenadines include Bequia, Canouan, Mustique, Mayreau, and Union.

An active volcano named La Soufrière dominates the island of Saint Vincent. Except for this volcanic peak, lush green rain forests blanket the mountainous interior of the island. The sandy beaches and coral reefs of the Grenadines make these small islands popular with travelers, especially the wealthy who arrive by yacht or small aircraft. The country does not yet have an airport that can handle large international airplanes.