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St. Lucia
St.
Lucia is
an island of intense natural beauty, from its white sand beaches to its
tropical rain forests and its volcano and celebrated twin peaks. It also enjoys
long standing local cultural traditions, such as its annual carnival, as well
as hosting artistic and musical events such as its famous international jazz
festival.
St
Lucia lies at latitude 13 54’ north of the Equator and 60 50’ west. One of the
Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of
islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles
northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the island’s capital and
is situated North-west of the island. It encircles an attractive harbour close
to the airport.
Like
much of the Caribbean, St. Lucia was settled by Europeans, who set up a
plantation economy. In the 18th century, the island was at the
centre of the colonial struggles between the French and the British, changing
hands 14 times.
Language
The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also
speak French and Spanish. Kwéyòl, St Lucia's second language, is widely spoken
by the St. Lucian people including all walks of life such as doctors, bankers,
government ministers and the man on the street! Kwéyòl is not just a patois or
broken French, but a language in its own right, with its own rules of grammar
and syntax. The language is being preserved by its everyday use in day-to-day
affairs and by special radio programmes and news read entirely in Kwéyòl.
Physical
Characteristics The
island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a
combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A central
mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging between 1000
and 3145 feet. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille
and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes.
St.
Lucia’s
most famous landmark is the spectacular twin, towering volcanic cones on the
southwest coast, The Pitons. Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m) are one
of the Caribbean’s most famous landmarks. The volcanic origin of the island
provides visitors with an opportunity to visit a “drive-in volcano” and take a
dip in the reputedly therapeutic Sulphur springs.
Climate
The climate on island is tropical with temperatures ranging from 70 – 90
Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from June to November and the drier period
between December and May. Average rainfall is between 160-360cm depending on
altitude.
Population
Currently estimated at 150,000 with a workforce of about 65,000. Annual population
growth rate is approximately 2%. English is the official language of St Lucia however, a French-based patois is widely spoken.
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