Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia An island country, one of the Windward Islands of the Caribbean.

Physical

Saint Lucia is 43 km (27 miles) in length and roughly ovalshaped. In the south-west is the dormant volcano Qualibou. The twin peaks of the Pitons have fine volcanic cones. The fertile volcanic valleys and coastal plains are well watered. There is a fine harbour.

Economy

Tourism is an important source of revenue, but agriculture is still predominant. Timber, bananas, cocoa, copra, and coconuts are all grown. Manufactured goods include paper products and clothing and there is a food-processing industry.

History

The Arawak Indians, the earliest inhabitants of Saint Lucia, were driven out by Carib Indians before Europeans arrived. The British failed in their attempts to colonize the island in 1605 and 1638 and the French settled it, making a treaty with the Caribs in 1660. Saint Lucia changed hands several times before being ceded to Britain in 1814. A representative local government was established in 1924 and Saint Lucia was a member of the Federation of the West Indies from 1958 until 1962. Saint Lucia became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1979, after twelve years of internal self-government. The island has been governed by the United Workers' Party from independence until 1997 when the Labour party under Kenny Anthony was elected. Its economy was severely affected by the fall in prices for bananas (its chief export) in the European market in 1993. Saint Lucia is a member of the CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AND COMMON MARKET (CARICOM).

Capital:	Castries
Area:	617.4 sq km (238.4 sq miles)
Population:	151,000 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
Religions:	Roman Catholic 85.6%; Seventh-day Adventist 4.3%; Anglican 2.7%
Ethnic Groups:	Black 87.0%; mixed 9.1%; East Indian 2.6%; White 1.3%
Languages:	English (official); English and French creoles
International Organizations:	UN; OAS; CARICOM; Commonwealth