Saint Lucia’s strategic location in the Caribbean has made the island the site of European colonization. Today, the country is struggling with widespread poverty and high crime related to drug trafficking throughout the region.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Castries
- Ethnic groups: African origin 85.3%, African + European origin 10.9%, Indians 2.2%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.1% (2010)
- Language: English (official), French-Creole
- Religion: Catholics 61.5%, Protestants 25.5%, other Christians 3.4%, Rastafari 1.9%, other 0.4%, none 5.9%, unspecified 1.4% (2010)
- Population: 179 667 (2018)
- Control Form: Constitutional monarchy in the Caribbean
- Area: 620 km2
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
- GNP per capita: 12 953 PPP $
- National Day: December 13th
Population of Saint Lucia
The population of Saint Lucia in 2013 was estimated at 182,000 (World Bank). The population consists mainly of descendants of African slaves, who were brought to the island as laborers on the sugar plantations.
The island is densely populated (298.8 per km2); closest settlement around the capital Castries.
Religion
Christianity is almost one-sided. About 79% of the population belongs to the Catholic Church. About 20% are Protestants. Anglicans and Seventh-day Adventists.
Language
The official language is English. French Creole language is also spoken.