Places / North & Central America
Saint Lucia
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At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- Castries
- Population
- 180,000 (2024)
- Area
- 616 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +1 758
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Before you go
Overview
Saint Lucia is an independent island country located in the West Indies at the eastern of the Caribbean Sea.
The country recorded a population of 181,889 in 2018 and covers an area of 617 km2.
Its capital city and principal port is Castries. Other major towns are Canaries, Anse La Raye, Au Tabor, Bocage, Babonneau, Dennery and Choiseul.
The Pitons mountain range (above) is a Saint Lucian landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Saint Lucia was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1501. The French started colonizing the country in 1635. They signed a treaty with the native Carib people in 1660. France secedes St Lucia to Britain in 1814 after signing a Treaty of Paris.
The British made the island their colony in 1814 and brought African slaves to toil in it.
Slavery was abolished in 1834.
St Lucia started governing their internal affairs in 1967 and gained full independence in 1979.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is a mix of African, French and English customs.
The crops grown in the country are bananas, coconuts, cocoa, citrus, mangoes and root crops.
The most popular dishes in the country are langouste, bouyon, lambi, callaloo and, green figs and saltfish.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals found in the country are whiptail lizard, parrot, tiny snakes and fish.
Festivals & events
The major events held in the country are Independence Day, St Lucia Jazz Festival, Carnival, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and, St. Lucia Flower and Creole Festivals.
Things to see
There is the Marigot Bay, which is encompassed on its three sides by steep forested hills.
Then there is the Rodney Bay, which is a bay situated in the Gros Islet region in Saint Lucia.
Other must-visit places are Anse Chastanet Beach, Pigeon Island and Reduit Beach.
Interesting facts
It is the only country in the world that has a drive-in volcano.
The small island has produced two Nobel Prize winners.
Neighbours
Saint Lucia has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Saint Lucia
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.