Overview of Saint Lucia

Profile

Saint Lucia is an island nation floating in the eastern Caribbean Sea, characterized by its majestic volcanic topography including the twin-peaked Pitons and beaches surrounded by coral reefs. While English is the official language, French Creole culture remains deeply rooted, bringing unique diversity to music, cuisine, and festivals. Banana cultivation and tourism form the economic pillars, and in recent years, the country has gained global attention as a luxury resort destination. As a Commonwealth realm, it recognizes the British monarch as head of state and employs a parliamentary system.

Official name

Saint Lucia

Common name

Saint Lucia

Numeric code

662

Alpha-3 code

LCA

Alpha-2 code

LC

Population

Over 180,000 (2023)

Population density

Approximately 290 people/km²

Primary languages

English, Saint Lucian Creole French

Major religions

Roman Catholic, Protestant

National anthem

Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia

Calling code

+1-758

Internet TLD

.lc

History

Changed hands between Britain and France 14 times during the 17th-18th centuries; gained independence in 1979.

The island was inhabited by indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples before Europeans arrived from the 16th century onward. After the 17th century, France established the first colonial settlement, but a struggle with Britain continued for over 200 years thereafter. In 1814, the Treaty of Paris officially made it British territory. After joining the West Indies Federation in 1958 and achieving internal self-government in 1967, Saint Lucia gained independence on February 22, 1979, becoming a Commonwealth realm. Since independence, the nation has pursued economic transformation from agriculture to tourism and promoted Creole cultural revitalization. In 1992, poet Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize in Literature, further enhancing the country's cultural influence.

Geography & climate

Valleys radiate from the central mountains, with white and black sand beaches, and mangrove wetlands dotting the coastline.

Tropical maritime climate (distinct dry and wet seasons)

Area

North America (Caribbean) / 617 km²

Capital

Castries

Largest city

Castries

Coastal status

Yes

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system (Commonwealth realm)

Economy

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

GDP (nominal): 2.3 billion US Dollar (2023)

GDP (PPP): 4 billion International Dollar (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Saint Lucian Creole French

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (Eastern Caribbean Time)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African descent, Mixed, Indian descent, European descent, Indigenous Carib

Life expectancy

76.4 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 90%

National sports

Cricket, Football, Athletics, Yacht racing, Netball, Rugby Sevens

Flag

Emblem