Saint Lucia

The small island nation of Saint Lucia lies between the eastern side of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the Windward Islands, which are on the southern end of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north of the even smaller island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of the somewhat bigger French outpost of Martinique. Compared in shape to a mango or a teardrop, Saint Lucia is dominated by a mountainous landscape.

Saint Lucia

Flag of Saint Lucia Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia (In Detail)
National motto: The Land, The People, The Light
Official language	English
Capital	Castries
Head of State	Queen Elizabeth II
Governor-General	Dame Pearlette Louisy
Prime Minister	Dr. Kenny Anthony
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 176th 620 km² 1,6%
Population  - Total (2002)  - Density	Ranked 175th 160,145 260/km²
Independence  - Date	From the UK February 22, 1979
Currency	East Caribbean dollar
Time zone	UTC -4
National anthem	Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia
Internet TLD	.lc
Calling Code	1-758

Geography

The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, with the highest point being Mount Gimie, at 950 m above sea level. Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark. They are located near Soufrière, on the western side of the island. Saint Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world that flaunts a drive-in volcano.

The capital city of Saint Lucia is Castries, where about one third of the population lives. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufrière and Vieux Fort. The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to November.

Geography

The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, with the highest point being Mount Gimie, at 950 m above sea level. Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark. They are located near Soufrière, on the eastern side of the island. Saint Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world with a drive-in volcano.

A third of the population lives in Castries, the capital. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufrière and Vieux Fort. The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to November.

History

Main article: History of Saint Lucia

Arawak Amerindians first settled on the island in the 3rd century AD, while the Caribs later took over. European discovery of the island is somewhat vague, but it was probably discovered around 1500 by the Spanish explorer Juan de la Cosa. After some early failed attempts to settle there, the French and British fought over the island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, during the 17th and 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times), until Britain finally obtained control in 1814. Slavery was finally abolished in 1838, freeing more than 13,000 slaves. The island was a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation from 1958 to 1962. The island was granted self-government in 1967 and independence in February 22, 1979.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Saint Lucia

As a Commonwealth Realm, Saint Lucia recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State of Saint Lucia, represented on the island by a Governor-General. Executive power, however, is in the hands of the prime minister and his cabinet. The prime minister is normally the head of the party winning the elections for the House of Assembly, which has 17 seats. The other chamber of parliament, the Senate, has 11 appointed members.

Saint Lucia is a full & participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Economy

Main article: Economy of Saint Lucia

The recent changes in the European Union import preference regime and the increased competition from Latin American bananas have made economic diversification increasingly important in Saint Lucia. The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, which is the island's main source of revenue. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalise the banana industry. Despite negative growth in 2001, economic fundamentals remain solid, and GDP growth should recover in the future.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Saint Lucia

The small population of Saint Lucia is mostly black or of mixed descent; just 1% are of European origin, with an Indo-Caribbean minority of some 3%. The official language of the country is English, but a patois based mainly on French is also spoken. The majority of the population are Roman Catholics (ca. 90%); the rest are Anglicans (3%) or other Protestants (7%).

St. Lucia boasts the highest ratio in the world for number of Nobel laureates produced with respect to the total population of the nation. Two winners have come from St. Lucia - Sir Arthur Lewis won the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel ("Nobel Prize in Economics") in 1979, and Derek Walcott received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Saint Lucia

• Derek Walcott
• Music of Saint Lucia
• Saint Lucia Jazz Festival

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Saint Lucia
• Foreign relations of Saint Lucia
• List of cities in Saint Lucia
• Military of Saint Lucia
• Transportation in Saint Lucia
• Category:Saint Lucian Wikipedians

External links

• Official Website of the Government of Saint Lucia
• Portal of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board
• Saint Lucia - Simply Beautiful
• National anthem
• St. Lucia Vacation Guide

Credits

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