Saint Lucia

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –Caribbean Sea
• Currency symbol of Saint Lucia –East Caribbean Dollar  ” $ “
• Capital City –Castries
• Official languages –English is official language of Saint Lucia
• Population –181,889 (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+758 )
• Official website – Saint Lucia
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Tourism; Clothing; Assembly of Electronic Components
• Google Maps link –Saint Lucia
• Where is it? –Saint Lucia, island state in the Caribbean Sea. It is the second largest of the Windward group in the Lesser Antilles and is located about 24 miles (39 km) south of Martinique and some 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Saint Vincent.

---

Saint Lucia In Pictures

---

Saint Lucia History

• How did the country get its first name? – The Arawak Indians in around 200 AD called the island Louanalao, meaning “island of the Iguanas”, and then “Hewanorra” in 800 AD by the Carib Indians. 
• How did the country get its current name? – Its current name comes from the French who named it after St. Lucy of Syracuse.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The island was first settled by Arawak Indians around 200 A.D., though by 800 their culture had been superseded by that of the Caribs. The first European to record the island was Juan de la Cosa in 1500, calling it El Falcon. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – The Arawak Indians are the first known inhabitants, from around 200 AD. 
• When it was first recognized as a country? –  Saint Lucia achieved full independence on February 22, 1979. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? – John Campton was the first leader of Saint Lucia.

---

Five Significant Events 

1. NOBEL LAUREATE WEEK January: Saint Lucia sets one week each year to celebrate the achievements of our two noble laureates – Sir Arthur Lewis who won the Nobel Prize in Economics (1979) and Sir Derek Walcott who won the Nobel Prize in Literature (1992). A series of panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions highlight the achievements of the Laureates.(https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/)
2. INDEPENDENCE DAY February 22: In 2020 Saint Lucia will celebrate the 41st Independence Anniversary. Each year Saint Lucians celebrate with activities held throughout the island. In celebration of the 41st milestone an exciting calendar of events is planned. (https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/)
3. SAINT LUCIA JAZZ PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER: Renowned as the premier jazz festival in the Caribbean, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival Produced in Collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center features the finest names in modern jazz performing in intimate venues and public settings throughout the island. (https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/)
4. ROOTS & SOUL FESTIVAL: A festival dedicated to musicians who are setting new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, A fropunk and R&B, with performances, master classes and encounters between artists and other actors in the music business. Like Saint Lucia Jazz, there will be free and paying concerts, in various parts of the island, culminating at the Pigeon Island National Landmark. (https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/)
5. MERCURY FEST Annually in August: Mercury Fest – The Ultimate Beach Party is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Thousands of people arrive from our sister islands Martinique and Guadeloupe as well as further afield for this 2-day beach party at Pigeon Island National Landmark. Beach, boats, bikinis, floatiest and live concerts by international superstars, what could be better? (https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/)

Five Places to Visit in Saint Lucia

1. Anse de Sables: Saint Lucia’s largest beach remains wonderfully undeveloped – thanks to its Atlantic gusts and remote location close to the island’s southern tip. (https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia)
2. Cocoa Farm: Chocolate lovers will be thrilled to discover that cocoa is harvested in Saint Lucia – and that you can tour the Rabot Plantation, whose beans go into well-known brand Hotel Chocolat. (https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia)
3. Marigot Bay: Marigot Bay is the classic Caribbean setting, with white sand brushed by coconut palms and backed by steep walls of tropical greenery, it’s easy to see why this is a favourite with film crews. (https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia)     
4. Millet Bird Sanctuary: Saint Lucia is fantastic for birding, and this sanctuary is tops when it comes to spotting tweeters. (https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia)
5. Pigeon Island: Pigeon Island has a fascinating history, with many of its historical landmarks now atmospheric relics to explore on foot. (https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia)

References: 

• https://pixabay.com/images/search/saint%20lucia/
• https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/saint-lucia/economy
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia
• https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/history-culture/
• https://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce1023.html
• https://history.state.gov/countries/saint-lucia
• https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/
• https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/saint-lucia/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-st-lucia
• https://www.ducksters.com/geography/country.php?country=Saint%20Lucia