QUICK FACTS
Area: 239 sq. miles / 620 sq. km
Government: Parliamentary democracy. Member of British Commonwealth, CARICOM and OECS.
Population: 160,000
Capital: Castries
Airports: Hewanorra Vieux Fort
George F. Charles, Vigie Castries
Highest point: Mt Gimie 950m / 3,116 ft.
Main Ports: Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, Soufriere, Vieux Fort
Marinas: Rodney Bay lagoon (capacity 240 slips , Marigot Bay (40 slips)
Country code +1 758 Europe dial +011 country code + regional code, USA/Canada dial +1 area code
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD) EC$ pegged to US dollar 2.7 = $XCD 1
Language: English / Creole (kwéyol)
Landmarks: Pitons (Unesco World heritage site)
Background: St Lucia is part of the Windwards Islands. Together with the Leewards these form the chain known as the lesser Antilles generally referred to as the Eastern Caribbean. This volcanic and mountainous island is dominated by the spectacular Piton mountains in the south western corner. With its deep natural harbor at Castries and strategic location, the island was considered an important asset and contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries changing possession fourteen times. It was finally ceded to the UK in 1814 and achieved independence in 1979. The people are a mixture of African, Indian and to a lesser extent European blood. The official language is English but Creole (kweyol) is widely spoken.
Yachting: With the ARC (Atlantic Rally for cruisers), hundreds of sailing yachts flock to St Lucia each year making the island the most popular Caribbean destination for sail boats making landfall from Europe. It's also a popular cruising location for boats heading north or south to other islands in the Eastern Caribbean. St Lucia is within easy reach of the Grenadines and the French Antilles making it an ideal cruising base. Few places can offer such variety of culture, amazing scenery and generally superb sailing conditions. Enjoy..
