Bequia

Bequia

Bequia Show map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bequia Show map of Lesser Antilles Bequia Show map of Caribbean
Geography
Location	Caribbean
Coordinates	13°00′54″N 61°13′48″W / 13.01500°N 61.23000°W / 13.01500; -61.23000
Area	7 sq mi (18 km2)
Administration
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Demographics
Population	about 5,300
Ethnic groups	African, Scottish and Carib
Additional information
Bequia Marine Conservation Area IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) Area 367.5 km2 (141.9 sq mi) Established 1987 Website Bequia Marine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia (/ˈbɛkwiː/ BEK-wee or /ˈbɛkweɪ/ BEK-way) is the largest island in the Grenadines at 7 square miles (18 km²). It is part of the country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the nation's capital, Kingstown, on the main island, Saint Vincent. Bequia means "island of the clouds" in the ancient Arawak.^{[citation needed]} The island's name was also 'Becouya' as part of the Grenadines.

Bequia has a history of whaling which was introduced by the Yankee whalers in the 19th century.^[1] Its people are only allowed to catch up to four humpback whales per year using traditional hunting methods. The limit is rarely met, with no catch some years.