Saint Lucia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Saint Lucia, State of the Caribbean; 616 km², 182 000 residents (2019).Saint Lucia is located between Martinique and Saint Vincent. The capital is Castries (9,100 residents, 2012).

Country facts

Saint Lucia / Saint Lucia
Country abbreviation: LC
Area: 616 km²
Population (2019): 182,000 residents
Capital: Castries
Main languages: English, Creole French
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Elizabeth II (Queen)
Head of Government: Allen Chastanet
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 10,315
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 9,460
Currency unit: 1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: XCD
Country number (telephony): 1
Internet domain name: lc
Time difference compared to Sweden: −5
National Day: February 22 (Independence Day, 1979)

Nature

Land use: forest (13%), agricultural land (30%), other (57%)
Highest mountain: Mount Gimie (950 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 295 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 0.5%; birth rate 12 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (19%), 15-64 (72%), 65- (9%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 75 years, women 83 years
Infant mortality (2019): 13 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 200,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.747 (place 90 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 19%
Most populous city (2012): Castries (9,100 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (3%), industry (14%), service (83%)
Exports (2017): US $ 185 million
Main export products: bananas, clothing, coconut products
Main exporting countries: USA, UK, Trinidad and Tobago
Imports (2017): US $ 600 million
Main import products: food, machinery, transport equipment
Main importing countries: USA, Trinidad and Tobago
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography of Saint Lucia

Location and Size

Saint Lucia is an island nation situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It lies approximately 24 miles (39 kilometers) north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 21 miles (34 kilometers) south of Martinique, and about 200 miles (320 kilometers) west of Barbados. The island covers an area of approximately 617 square kilometers (238 square miles), making it the second-largest island in the Windward Islands group.

Saint Lucia is predominantly mountainous, with a rugged terrain that includes deep valleys, coastal plains, and dense tropical forests. Its central position in the Caribbean places it at the crossroads of major trade routes, which has influenced its history, culture, and economy over the centuries. The island’s capital city, Castries, is located on the northwest coast, along with the majority of the population and the island’s main port.

Topography and Natural Features

Saint Lucia’s landscape is dominated by its volcanic origins. The island is famous for its two volcanic peaks, the Pitons, which are iconic landmarks. The Gros Piton, the larger of the two, rises to 798 meters (2,618 feet) above sea level, while the smaller Petit Piton stands at 743 meters (2,438 feet). These steep, symmetrical volcanic spires are located along the island’s southwestern coast and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area surrounding the Pitons features lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs, offering opportunities for hiking and eco-tourism.

Saint Lucia is also home to a number of rivers, including the Roseau River, which provides water for the island’s agricultural and domestic needs. The island’s fertile volcanic soil supports a wide range of agriculture, from bananas to coconuts. Its coastline is lined with sandy beaches, cliffs, and coral reefs, which make Saint Lucia a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The island’s natural beauty and biodiversity make it an attractive destination for nature lovers, providing a habitat for various species of birds, reptiles, and marine life. The forests of Saint Lucia are home to numerous plant species, including the endangered Saint Lucia parrot, which is a symbol of the island’s conservation efforts.

Climate of Saint Lucia

Tropical Climate

Saint Lucia has a tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The island is influenced by trade winds, which help moderate temperatures and provide a cooling effect, especially along the coasts. The average annual temperature ranges between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making Saint Lucia a year-round destination for warm weather.

The wet season lasts from June to November and coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. During this period, the island experiences heavy rainfall, with the highest precipitation typically occurring from August to October. Although hurricanes occasionally affect Saint Lucia, the island is somewhat protected by its location compared to other Caribbean nations. However, rainfall is generally higher in the interior and mountainous regions, where the lush rainforests thrive.

The dry season, from December to May, is characterized by lower humidity and sunny days, with minimal rainfall. This season is considered the best time to visit the island, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and beach relaxation.

Saint Lucia’s climate supports its agricultural industries, including bananas, cocoa, and vegetables, as well as its thriving tourism sector. The island’s warm, tropical conditions attract visitors year-round, particularly those seeking tropical beaches, water sports, and rainforest exploration.

People of Saint Lucia

Population and Demographics

Saint Lucia has a population of approximately 183,000 people, with the majority residing in the urban areas around Castries, the capital city. The population density is relatively high, given the island’s small size, and the population is a mix of ethnic backgrounds. The majority of Saint Lucians are of African descent, with their ancestors having been brought to the island as slaves during the colonial period. There are also smaller communities of East Indian, European, and mixed heritage populations, contributing to the island’s multicultural society.

Saint Lucia’s population has grown steadily over the years, though the country faces challenges related to urbanization, such as overcrowding in the capital and pressure on local infrastructure. The population is predominantly young, with a median age of around 30 years. This youthfulness presents both opportunities and challenges for the country, particularly in areas like employment and education.

Language and Religion

The official language of Saint Lucia is English, which is used in government, education, and business. However, the local dialect, known as Saint Lucian Creole (Kwéyòl), is widely spoken in daily life, especially in rural areas. Creole is an Afro-French-based language that incorporates elements from African languages, French, and Carib. It plays an important cultural role in the country, being used in music, folklore, and oral traditions.

Religion in Saint Lucia is largely Christian, with the majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Other Christian denominations are also present, including Anglican, Pentecostal, and Baptist communities. Religion plays a significant role in Saint Lucian culture, with public holidays and national festivals often having religious significance. In addition, Saint Lucia celebrates some of its African and indigenous heritage through cultural events and rituals that emphasize the island’s diverse roots.

Education and Health

Saint Lucia places a high value on education, with free primary and secondary schooling provided to all children. The literacy rate is high, and there is a growing emphasis on education at the tertiary level. The University of the West Indies Open Campus, located in the capital city of Castries, offers higher education opportunities for Saint Lucians, while students also have access to scholarships and exchange programs to study abroad. Education in Saint Lucia is based on the British system, with English as the primary language of instruction.

Healthcare in Saint Lucia is also a priority for the government, with the island’s healthcare system offering both public and private services. The main hospital, the Victoria Hospital in Castries, provides general medical care, while there are smaller health centers located throughout the island. Saint Lucia has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates and improving life expectancy, and it has established programs aimed at combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Economy of Saint Lucia

Key Industries

The economy of Saint Lucia is small, open, and heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture, and services. Over the years, the island has worked to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on any single sector. However, tourism remains the largest contributor to the national economy. Saint Lucia’s pristine beaches, rainforests, and luxury resorts attract tourists from around the world, particularly those seeking relaxation, adventure, and eco-tourism experiences. The island’s tourism sector supports a wide range of jobs in hospitality, transportation, and retail, making it a key driver of employment and economic growth.

Agriculture, while no longer the dominant sector it once was, remains an important part of the economy. Historically, Saint Lucia was known for its sugar industry, but today, bananas are the main agricultural export, along with other crops such as cocoa, coconuts, and spices. The island’s fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate make it well-suited for agricultural production. However, Saint Lucia faces competition from larger banana producers in the region, and the government has worked to diversify agriculture by promoting organic farming and developing new agricultural industries, such as the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Saint Lucia’s financial services sector has also grown in importance, particularly with the establishment of offshore banking services and a growing number of international businesses setting up operations on the island. The government has worked to create an attractive environment for foreign investment, with policies aimed at tax incentives and favorable regulations for international companies.

Economic Challenges

Saint Lucia faces a number of economic challenges. One of the most significant issues is the vulnerability of the island’s economy to external factors, such as fluctuations in global commodity prices, natural disasters, and changes in tourism demand. The tourism sector, while vital to the economy, is highly sensitive to global economic conditions, including recessions, as well as natural disasters like hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and disrupt the flow of tourists.

Additionally, Saint Lucia’s small size and limited natural resources make it dependent on imports for many goods, which contributes to a trade imbalance and foreign exchange constraints. The government has focused on boosting local production and reducing imports through economic diversification and investment in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Government of Saint Lucia

Political System

Saint Lucia is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, with a political system based on the British model. The country’s head of state is the Governor-General, who represents the British monarch. However, the Governor-General’s role is largely ceremonial, and executive power lies with the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The Prime Minister is elected by members of the House of Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament, which is composed of 17 elected members. Saint Lucia also has an upper house, the Senate, consisting of 11 appointed members.

Saint Lucia has a multi-party system, with the two main political parties being the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). Elections are held every five years, and the political landscape can be highly competitive. The country’s political system is designed to ensure democratic governance, but political stability is sometimes challenged by partisan divisions.

Legal System

Saint Lucia’s legal system is based on English common law, with influences from Roman-Dutch law. The judiciary is independent, and the country’s highest court is the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, which has a Court of Appeal and a High Court. Saint Lucia also has a system of local courts that handle civil and criminal cases, including magistrate courts and family courts.

The government has worked to improve the country’s legal infrastructure, with a focus on making the judicial system more efficient and accessible. Efforts have been made to ensure that laws are updated to meet international standards, particularly in areas like human rights, environmental protection, and financial services.

Culture of Saint Lucia

Arts and Music

Saint Lucia has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its African, European, and indigenous roots. Music plays an important role in the island’s cultural life, with calypso, soca, reggae, and jazz being prominent genres. Saint Lucia is known for its vibrant carnival, called the Saint Lucia Carnival, which takes place in July and is one of the largest cultural events in the Caribbean. The carnival features colorful parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, showcasing the island’s African and Caribbean traditions.

The island also has a rich tradition of folk music, particularly traditional drumming, which is an important aspect of Saint Lucian culture. Saint Lucians celebrate their heritage through song, dance, and storytelling, and local festivals often feature live performances of music, drama, and poetry.

Festivals and Traditions

In addition to the Carnival, Saint Lucia celebrates a number of other festivals and cultural events. One of the most notable is the La Rose Festival, which takes place in August and is a celebration of Saint Lucia’s cultural identity, combining religious observances with vibrant music, dance, and food. Another important festival is the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, which has gained international recognition for attracting top jazz musicians and fans from around the world.

Saint Lucia’s cultural practices also include a strong tradition of storytelling, and the island’s oral history is passed down through generations. Local artisans produce handcrafted items, such as pottery and basket weaving, which reflect the island’s African heritage.

Cuisine

Saint Lucian cuisine is a flavorful blend of African, Caribbean, French, and Indian influences. Staples include seafood, such as fish, lobster, and conch, often cooked with spices and fresh herbs. One of the most popular dishes is “green fig and saltfish,” which is a traditional meal made with bananas and salted codfish. The island also offers a variety of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts, which are often incorporated into meals or enjoyed as snacks.

Saint Lucian cuisine is rich in spices, with dishes like curry chicken, jerk pork, and seafood stews commonly found. The island’s cuisine reflects its history, with African, indigenous, and colonial influences shaping the flavors and preparation methods used in local dishes.

History of Saint Lucia

Early History and European Colonization

The island of Saint Lucia was originally inhabited by the Kalinago (Carib) people, followed by the Arawaks before European settlers arrived. The French were the first Europeans to colonize Saint Lucia, and the island changed hands between the French and the British several times during the 17th and 18th centuries. The French brought African slaves to work on sugar plantations, and the British eventually gained control of the island in 1814 after a series of conflicts with France.

The Sugar Era and Slavery

During the colonial era, sugar became the main economic driver for Saint Lucia, and the island’s economy relied heavily on enslaved African labor. Slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1834, but the legacy of the plantation system continued to shape Saint Lucia’s social and economic structure. The sugar industry eventually declined, and agriculture became more diversified, with crops like bananas taking prominence in the 20th century.

Independence and Modern Development

Saint Lucia gained its independence from Britain on February 22, 1979. Since independence, the country has developed a stable democratic system, though it has faced challenges such as economic diversification, social inequality, and the impacts of natural disasters. Saint Lucia’s economy has shifted from agriculture to a more diversified economy based on tourism, services, and agriculture.

Today, Saint Lucia continues to navigate the complexities of modern development, balancing the preservation of its natural beauty and cultural heritage with the demands of economic growth and environmental sustainability.