A British colony since 1783, the islands were a part of the Leeward Islands Federation until 1956.

• 1932 Proindependence St. Kitts–Nevis–Anguilla Labour Party set up.
• 1967 Internal self-government.
• 1980 Anguilla formally separates from St. Kitts and Nevis.
• 1983 Independence.
• 1995 Opposition SKLP wins election.
• 1998 Nevis referendum narrowly rejects secession.
• 2000 Prime Minister Denzil Douglas and SKLP reelected. Blacklisted by G7 for financial dealings.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004