# Basseterre

> capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis

**Wikidata**: [Q41295](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41295)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basseterre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/basseterre

## Summary
Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located on the island of Saint Kitts. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Established in 1627, it is one of the oldest settlements in the Caribbean.

## Key Facts
- Basseterre is the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean.
- Founded in 1627, it is one of the oldest European-established towns in the Caribbean.
- Population estimates for 2025 place the city at approximately 12,920 residents.
- The city covers an area of 6.47497 square kilometers (6,474,970 square meters).
- Basseterre is located in Saint George Basseterre Parish.
- It lies within the UTC−04:00 time zone.
- The city's elevation is approximately 15 meters above sea level.
- Official languages include English.
- Basseterre is twinned with Kaohsiung and Taipei.
- The city is part of the Caribbean Sea region.
- Basseterre is the seat of government for Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, and Saint Kitts.
- Postal codes for Basseterre include KN1001 and KN1002.
- The city is recognized as both a city and a federal capital.
- It is distinct from Basse Terre, a city in Guadeloupe, France.
- Basseterre is located near the Caribbean Sea.
- Coordinates: Latitude 17.298333333333, Longitude -62.734166666667.
- The city is home to a variety of international identifiers, including:
  - Geonames ID: 3575551
  - Freebase ID: /m/0fn3g
  - VIAF ID: 168314164
  - FAST ID: 1310008
  - GND ID: 4631228-6
- Basseterre is featured in over 122 language versions of Wikipedia.
- The city is associated with the following encyclopedic references:
  - Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947)
  - Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
  - Small Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
- Basseterre is referenced in the following databases and systems:
  - Wikidata, WorldCat, OpenStreetMap, Who's On First, and others.
- The city is associated with the following categories:
  - Category:Basseterre
  - Category:People from Basseterre
  - Category:People who died in Basseterre

## FAQs
### What is Basseterre known for?
Basseterre is known as the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is the political and cultural hub of the country and one of the oldest European settlements in the Caribbean, founded in 1627.

### What is the population of Basseterre?
As of 2025, Basseterre's population is estimated at 12,920. A previous census in 2001 recorded 13,220 residents.

### What is the geography and location of Basseterre?
Basseterre is located in Saint George Basseterre Parish on the island of Saint Kitts. It lies near the Caribbean Sea, with coordinates 17.298333333333° N, -62.734166666667° W. The city sits approximately 15 meters above sea level.

### What are Basseterre's sister cities?
Basseterre has established sister city relationships with Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Taipei, Taiwan.

### What languages are spoken in Basseterre?
English is the official language of Basseterre, reflecting the linguistic heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

### What is the area of Basseterre?
Basseterre covers 6.47497 square kilometers (6,474,970 square meters).

### What is the time zone of Basseterre?
Basseterre operates in the Atlantic Time Zone (UTC−04:00).

### What is the significance of Basseterre's name?
The name Basseterre is derived from the French term "Basse-Terre," meaning "low land," reflecting its historical colonial roots.

### What is the political role of Basseterre?
Basseterre is the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis and has also served as the capital of historical entities such as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla and Saint Kitts.

### What are the demographics of Basseterre?
Basseterre's population is estimated at 12,920 in 2025. The city has a diverse demographic profile, with a mix of local and expatriate populations.

### What are the postal codes for Basseterre?
Basseterre uses the postal codes KN1001 and KN1002.

### What is the cultural significance of Basseterre?
Basseterre is a historic city with deep colonial roots, serving as a center of government, culture, and economy in the Eastern Caribbean.

## Why It Matters
Basseterre is significant as the political and cultural capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. As one of the oldest European settlements in the Caribbean, established in 1627, it represents a living history of colonialism, independence movements, and post-colonial development. The city is central to the nation's governance and identity, hosting key institutions and serving as a symbol of national sovereignty. Its role in international relations is also notable, with sister city agreements with cities in Taiwan, highlighting its global connections. Basseterre also plays a key role in tourism and regional economics, serving as a hub for the Leeward Islands.

## Notable For
- Being the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a sovereign nation in the Caribbean.
- Its founding in 1627, making it one of the oldest European-established settlements in the region.
- Serving as the political and cultural heart of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Its twinning with Kaohsiung and Taipei, representing international cultural and economic ties.
- Its detailed documentation across global encyclopedias and databases, including the Great Soviet Encyclopedia and Brockhaus.
- Its unique geographic and demographic profile, including its location near the Caribbean Sea and elevation of 15 meters above sea level.
- Its role in the historical entity of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, reflecting its political evolution.
- Its recognition in over 122 language versions of Wikipedia, indicating global interest and documentation.

## Body

### History
Basseterre was established in 1627, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the Caribbean. It was originally founded by French colonists and later became a key British colonial outpost. The city has served as the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis and has also historically been the capital of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla and Saint Kitts.

### Geography and Demographics
Basseterre is located in Saint George Basseterre Parish on the island of Saint Kitts. Its geographic coordinates are 17.298333333333° N (latitude) and -62.734166666667° W (longitude). The city sits approximately 15 meters above sea level and is adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. As of 2025, the population is estimated at 12,920, with a previous census in 2001 recording 13,220 residents.

### Political and Administrative Role
Basseterre serves as the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis and has also historically been the capital of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla and Saint Kitts. It is the seat of government and a central hub for political activity in the country.

### Cultural and International Relations
Basseterre has established sister city relationships with Kaohsiung and Taipei, Taiwan, reflecting its role in international diplomacy and cultural exchange. These relationships were formalized in recent years, with Basseterre and Kaohsiung forging a partnership in 2025.

### Language and Identity
English is the official language of Basseterre, reflecting the linguistic heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The city is also known by its aliases 巴士地 and 巴斯特爾 in Chinese.

### Urban and Geographic Data
Basseterre covers an area of 6.47497 square kilometers (6,474,970 square meters). It is recognized by various geographic and digital identifiers, including:
- Geonames ID: 3575551
- Freebase ID: /m/0fn3g
- VIAF ID: 168314164
- FAST ID: 1310008
- GND ID: 4631228-6

### Encyclopedic and Digital Presence
Basseterre is documented in major encyclopedias such as the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Brockhaus, and Encyclopædia Universalis. It is also referenced in databases like Wikidata, WorldCat, OpenStreetMap, and Who's On First.

### Demographics and Urban Planning
Basseterre's population is estimated at 12,920 in 2025. The city is divided into the following categories:
- Category:Basseterre
- Category:People from Basseterre
- Category:People who died in Basseterre

### Postal and Administrative Details
Basseterre uses the postal codes KN1001 and KN1002. It is part of the Saint George Basseterre Parish and operates in the UTC−04:00 time zone.

### Notable Identifiers and Databases
Basseterre is recognized in the following systems:
- Geonames
- Wikidata
- WorldCat
- OpenStreetMap
- Who's On First
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n83184340
- Canadiana Name Authority ID: ncf12015743
- U.S. National Archives Identifier: 10037371
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007559963205171

### Cultural and Historical References
Basseterre is referenced in the following encyclopedic works:
- Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947)
- Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
- Small Brockhaus and Efron Encylopedic Dictionary
- Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
- Encyclopædia Universalis
- Great Russian Encyclopedia Online ID (2017): 6042033

### Digital Presence and Online Recognition
Basseterre is featured in over 122 language versions of Wikipedia. It is also recognized in the following systems:
- Facebook Location ID: 114347911911044
- Store ID Google Play: Basseterre
- Vikidia Article ID: fr:Basseterre
- Archinform Location ID: 8460
- Locator Map Image: Basseterre_Map_1.png
- Nighttime View: Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis_(6953490516).jpg
- Page Banner: Basseterre_WV_banner.jpg
- Detail Map: OSM_Bassterre_central_map.jpg

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Source](https://basseterreonline.com/article/722870515-basseterre-and-kaoshiung-forge-historic-sister-city-partnership)
3. [Source](https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/126742)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://nia.gov.kn/skn-introduces-official-postal-code/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Saint Kitts and Nevis Cities by Population 2025](https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/saint-kitts-and-nevis)
8. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
9. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
10. GeoNames
11. BBC Things
12. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
13. Quora
14. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)