- Alternate use: see the Catholic saint Saint Lucy.
Saint Lucia is an island nation in the eastern
Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser
Antilles, it is located north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique.
History
Main article: History of Saint Lucia
Arawak Amerindians first settled
on the island in the 3rd century, 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. The island
was granted self-government in 1967 and independence in February 22, 1979.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Saint Lucia
Being a Commonwealth Realm, the head of state of Saint Lucia is the British monarch, 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.
Quarters
Main article: Quarters of Saint Lucia
The island of Saint Lucia is divided into 11 quarters:
- Anse-la-Raye
- Castries
- Choiseul
- Dauphin
- Dennery
- Gros Islet
- Laborie
- Micoud
- Praslin
- Soufrière
- Vieux Fort
Geography
Main article: Geography of Saint
Lucia
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.
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 August.
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. 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 East Indian miority 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%).
Culture
Main article: Culture of Saint Lucia
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Saint Lucia
- Transportation in Saint Lucia
- Military of Saint Lucia
- Foreign relations of Saint
Lucia
- List of cities in Saint Lucia
External links
|