St. LUCIA

ST. LUCIA: Stats & Facts

Status: Independent Island Nation
Government: British Parliamentary system
Location: Eastern Caribbean Sea bordering the Atlantic Ocean (part of the Lesser Antilles)
Population: 160,000
Size: 620 sq km
Capital: Castries
Official Language: English
Unofficial Language: Antillean Creole (Patois)
Climate: Tropical.
(Dry season January to April. Wet season May to December)
Known for: The most mountainous island of the Caribbean
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar ($1 US = 2.70 EC)
Time Zone: UTC-4 (Four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
Electricity: 220 volts
Driving: Left side of the road
Entry documents: Valid passport. Visas not required for the US and Commonwealth countries. (All others check requirements)
Telephone exchange: 1-758
WEB site: www.stlucia.org

ST LUCIA

Nestled between Martinique and St. Vincent, St. Lucia shines like a gem in the Windward Island chain. Though it measures a mere 27 miles long (43 km) and 14 miles (22.5 km) wide, this mango-shaped island possesses some of the most dramatic scenery in the Caribbean.

The mountains of the interior are carpeted in dense rainforest, home to wild orchids, giant ferns and brightly plumed tropical birds. In the wide, fertile valleys near the coast, farmers tend plantations of mango, papaya, guava, banana and cocoa, while the coastline – Caribbean on the west side and Atlantic on the east – is dotted with gorgeous bays and sandy beaches.
The steep peaks of the twin Pitons soar with startling beauty from the depths of the Caribbean and remain the island’s most enduring symbol. They were formed millions of years ago by a spectacular series of volcanic explosions that actually created the island. Gros Piton, with Petit Piton close behind, rises from Soufriere and reaches a height of 2,620 ft. (786 metres).
Visitors also enjoy St. Lucia’s welcoming tropical warmth with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the mid 80s year-round. Even at the height of the summer, when temperatures can reach the mid 90s, the ever-present trade winds manage to keep things cool.

HISTORY
St. Lucia is so friendly and welcoming, it’s almost impossible to imagine that years of war that marked her past. The native Amerindians were established here and named their island home Hewanorra, meaning ‘the place where the iguana is found’. Today, this name graces the international airport at the southern tip of the island. In the late 16th century, Spanish explorers re-christened the land Santa Alousie.
The French West India Company purchased the island in 1651. Eight years later, ownership disputes between the French and English ignited bitter hostilities that would last 150 years. The island changed hands 14 times during this turbulent time.
The British eventually triumphed, naming St. Lucia a British possession in 1814. Though English is the official language, the island retains a strong French heritage. The majority of the island’s place names are French, and many St. Lucians speak the colorful Creole or Kweyol, a mixture of their Amerindian, African and European roots.
St. Lucia became an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth on Feb. 22, 1979.

AROUND CASTRIES
Downtown Castries is the hub of duty free shopping. Store windows glitter with emeralds from master cutters in Columbia, diamonds, jewelry, crystal and china. Perfumers sell Caribbean essences distilled from the petals of exotic flowers, fruits and spices. Take home a bottle of Bounty Rum, a few bottles of banana ketchup or blazing hot sauce.

Saturday is the best day to visit the lively Castries Central Market, where you’ll find local crafts and the intriguing West Indian fruits and vegetables used in St. Lucia’s favorite dishes. The Vendor’s Arcade opposite the market offers rows of brightly decorated shops filled with souvenirs, t-shirts and beaded costume jewelry.
The country’s largest duty-free shopping mall is Pointe Seraphine, on the southern shore of modern Castries Harbour. The 39 shops provide designer name merchandise at bargain prices. (Note: Don’t forget to bring your photo ID and an airline ticket when making purchases).