saint lucia

Saint Lucia

Authority responsible for Tourism
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Her…
CSME Participation
Full
Saint Lucia is a fertile island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. It lies between the islands of Martinique to the north and Saint Vincent to the south-west. Formed through volcanic activity, the island is characterised by a central mountainous ridge, numerous rivers, and geothermal features such as boiling sulphur springs. Saint Lucia is also bordered by scenic sandy beaches along much of its coastline.

Key facts

Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 May 1974 - Learn more about membership in CARICOM

Also Known as:Helen of the West

Status of Independence:Independent 1979/02/22

Area: 616 sq km; 238Mi

Capital City: Castries

Population: 172,034 (2009)

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)

Highest National Award: Grand Cross of St. Lucia

Economy

GDP Growth: -0.2% p.a. 2009–13

GNI: US$1.3bn

GNI PC: US$7,090

Key dates in history

1520   Vatican Globe marks island as ‘ Santa Lucia’ suggesting claim by Spain. Amerindians first called

Island ‘louanalao’ (where iguana is found) then ‘Hiwanarau’ and later ‘Hewanoora’

1639    First recorded European settlement (by Britain)

1642   Ceded to French West Indies company by King of France who claimed sovereignty

1814   Island changed hands fourteen times between Britain and France, finally becoming a British

Colony

1838   Incorporated into  Windward Islands Federation

1951   Universal Adult Suffrage, George F.L. Charles, first Chief Minister

1958   Joined the West Indies Federation

1967   Associated Statehood with Britain (full internal self-government) within WISA

1979   Independence achieved, John Compton, first Prime Minister

Date of CARICOM Membership
Human Development Index
Human Development Index
Sustainable Development (including Environment and Disaster Management and Water)
philip
Hon. Philip J. Pierre
Date of Independence
Motto
The Land, the people, the Light
Otherwise Known As
Helen of the West
Population
163,229 (2010)
SDG Profile
Sustainable Development Country Profile
SDG Dashboards and Trends
Website
Government Website