Once known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, the massive 17th-century fortress atop Brimstone Hill on St. Kitts recalls colonial occupation. Independent of Britain since 1983, the nation is diversifying the economy away from sugar towards tourism, banking, and light manufacturing. The twin islands are both volcanic with sandy beaches and a warm, wet climate. The island of Nevis (population 7,000) has been pursuing the constitutional process of secession since 1996.