Saint Lucia

I

Introduction

Saint Lucia, independent island state in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Magnificent mountain scenery, secluded beaches, and a tropical climate draw thousands of visitors to the island each year. Fruit farming flourishes in many rural parts of the island; bananas account for much of the nation’s export earnings.

Saint Lucia is one of the Windward Islands of the West Indies. It lies between Martinique on the north and Saint Vincent on the south. It has an area of 616 sq km (238 sq mi).

II

Land

The island of Saint Lucia is of volcanic origin. A forested mountain range traverses the island from north to south. The highest peak in the range is Mount Gimie (950 m/ 3,117 ft). In the south, Soufrière, a volcanic crater with hot sulfur springs, is a popular tourist destination. The Pitons, a pair of sharp peaks that rise dramatically from the ocean on the southwest coast, exemplify Saint Lucia’s picturesque beauty. The island’s mountains contain many streams and fertile valleys.

Saint Lucia has a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 26°C (79°F). The average annual rainfall ranges from about 1,500 mm (about 60 in) on the coast to more than 2,500 mm (more than 100 in) in the mountains. The rainy season lasts from May to August.

---

---

Rainforest originally covered almost the entire island. There has been a significant reduction in the amount of forest and wooded land. The main environmental issue is the building of tourist developments in ecologically sensitive areas. Soil erosion is a problem, especially in the north. Saint Lucia has made efforts to safeguard its natural habitats, however. Much of the remaining forest is protected, either for water supplies or for wildlife.

III

People

Most of the population of Saint Lucia is black, and about 90 percent is Roman Catholic. English is the official language, but a French patois is widely spoken. The total population of the country (2007 estimate) is 170,649. The capital and largest city is Castries (population, 2003 estimate, 13,687); it is also the principal port and has an excellent harbor.

IV

Economy

Saint Lucia’s economy is based largely on tourism and agriculture. Tourism has been steadily expanding in Saint Lucia since the late 1960s. The island has a good network of roads linking all towns and villages. Two airports also serve the island.

Bananas are the most important crop and principal export; other products include coconuts and mangoes. About 157,900 metric tons of fruit were harvested in 2005. Manufacturing on the island is limited; the chief products include cardboard boxes, electric parts, clothing, plastics, and beverages.

The gross domestic product, which measures the total value of goods and services produced in the country, was $825.2 million in 2005. The national currency is the East Caribbean dollar (2.70 E.C. dollars equal U.S.$1; 2005).

	More from Encarta
	•  7 tips for funding an online degree •  How to succeed in the fashion industry without being a top designer •  Presidential Myths Quiz •  Coffee break: Recharge your brain