St. Lucia is a lush tropical island of jungle, mountains, and beaches. It is teardrop-shaped and has an area of approximately 385 square miles. It is about 27 miles from north to south and 14 miles across. It is volcanic in origin and is more mountainous than most other Caribbean islands. It's highest point is Mount Gimie (3120 ft.) Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark. St. Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world that has a drive-in volcano.
Pitons:
St. Lucia was named for Saint Lucy of Syracuse. [Lucy or Lucia was born in 283 and died in 304. She was a wealthy young Christian martyr. She is the patron saint of those who are blind. Lucy consecrated her virginity to God, refused to marry a pagan, and had her dowry distributed to the poor. Her would-be husband denounced her as a Christian to the governor of Syracuse, Sicily. Miraculously unable to move her or burn her, the guards removed her eyes with a fork.]
St. Lucia was first visited by Europeans in about 1500 and first colonised successfully by France who signed a treaty with the native Carib peoples in 1660. Great Britain took control of the island from 1663 to 1667 then went to war with France over it fourteen times, and finally took complete control in 1814. Because it switched so often between British and French control, St.Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies." A Representative government came about in 1924. From 1958 to 1962 the island was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. Finally, on February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations and recognises Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State.
The population is about 160,000 of which about a third live in the capital city of Castries. The majority are of African descent (81%). There is a significant mixed minority and Indo-Caribbean or Indian groups. There is a small number of European origin (descendants of French, British, and Irish colonists) as well as small numbers of Greeks, Lebanese, Syrians, Chinese, North Americans, Portuguese, Germans and Italians. About 70% of the population is Roman Catholic. The rest are Seventh-day Adventists, Pentecostalists, Anglicans, Evangelicals, Rastafari, and a small minority are Baptists.
The official language is English, but a creole language called Antillean Creole is spoken by 80% of the population and is getting increasing official recognition.
The economy depends on banana production, tourism, and light manufacturing. The tourism industry has suffered during the current recession in the United States and Europe.
St. Lucia has a hot, tropical climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures is 80°F but tends to be tempered by the trade winds. The driest time on the island is between January and March. Rain showers can occur throughout the year, but they are usually over quickly. Hurricane season is from June to November.