Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ( acf, Sent Lisi, french: Sainte-Lucie) is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. The island was previously called Iouanalao and later Hewanorra, names given by the native Arawaks and Caribs, two Amerindian ...
, an island nation in the
Caribbean islands
Almost all of the Caribbean islands are in the Caribbean Sea, with only a few in inland lakes. The largest island is Cuba. Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Some of the smaller islands are re ...
, has a relatively large tourism industry. Due to the relatively small land area of the country, most of the governmental promotion is performed by the state-operated Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, led by Executive Chairperson Agnes.
Area and location
Saint Lucia has an area of 239 square miles (619 sq. km.). It is located in the eastern
Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea ( es, Mar Caribe; french: Mer des Caraïbes; ht, Lanmè Karayib; jam, Kiaribiyan Sii; nl, Caraïbische Zee; pap, Laman Karibe) is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean in the tropics of the Western Hemisphere. It is bounded by Mexico ...
, in the
windward islands
french: Îles du Vent
, image_name =
, image_caption = ''Political'' Windward Islands. Clockwise: Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
, image_alt =
, locator_map =
, location = Caribbean SeaNorth ...
.
* Coordinates:
* Population: 183,627 (2023 est.) / World Rank: 189
* Capital City:
Castries
Castries is the capital and largest city of Saint Lucia, an island country in the Caribbean. The urban area has a population of approximately 20,000, while the eponymous district has a population of 70,000, as at May 2013. The city stretches o ...
,
Castries District
Castries District is one of 10 districts (formerly called quarters) of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. According to the 2012 census, the population of the district was 80,573, having shown a slow but steady increase over the past ten ...
, in northern Saint Lucia
* Largest City: Castries, population 53,000 (2000 est.)
There are two international airports in Saint Lucia.
Currency
Together with other states in the island chain, Saint Lucia is part of the
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS; French: ''Organisation des États de la Caraïbe orientale'', OECO) is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal ri ...
, whose
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is the central bank for the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, Eastern Caribbean dollar and is the monetary authority for the members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with the exception of ...
is responsible for a currency union managing the
Eastern Caribbean dollar
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (symbol: EC$; code: XCD) is the currency of all seven full members and one associate member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The successor to the British West Indies dollar, it has existed sinc ...
(US$1 = EC$2.7).
Tourism industry
Saint Lucia is a popular tourist destination due to its weather, scenery, and large number of beaches. The island dates back to British and French rule in the 18th century. It is also known for its cuisine, sports and activities.
Beaches
Saint Lucia is known for beaches, some of which are covered in black volcanic sand.
The island's temperature averages 80°F (27°C) all year. The island offers many water sports, including snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing.
The following are some of the most popular and well-known beaches in the island nation of
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ( acf, Sent Lisi, french: Sainte-Lucie) is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. The island was previously called Iouanalao and later Hewanorra, names given by the native Arawaks and Caribs, two Amerindian ...
:
*Anse Chastanet beach on Chastanet Bay in
Soufrière District
Soufrière is a district on the Southwest coast of Saint Lucia in the West Indies. Soufrière was the former capital of Saint Lucia during times of French rule. It is now a small fishing port with an emerging tourism industry. It has several tou ...
*Anse Cochon beach on Cochon Bay in
Canaries District
*Anse de Sables beach in
Vieux Fort District
Vieux Fort is one of 10 districts of the Caribbean island country of Saint Lucia. Vieux Fort is also the name of the main town in the district. It is the home of the second-largest town in Saint Lucia and is the home of Saint Lucia's interna ...
*Anse Louvet beach in
Dennery District
*
Anse Mamin
Anse Mamin (Mamin Bay) is bay on the coast with a small black sand beach in Soufrière District, Saint Lucia. It is located near Anse Chastanet () and the two beaches are linked by a rocky path below the cliffs. Anse Mamin offers of wooded t ...
on Anse Bay in Soufrière District
*Choc Beach in Castries District
*Grande Anse beach in
Gros Islet District
*Kiwanies Beach in Castries District
*Laborie Bay in
Laborie District
Laborie District is one of 10 districts (formerly quarters) of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. According to the 2002 census, the population of the Quarter was 7,414 people. The village of Laborie is located about south of Cas ...
*
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is located on the western coast of the Caribbean island country of Saint Lucia, 3.75 miles southwest from Castries and a short distance from the Saint Lucian National Marine Reserve. It is surrounded on three sides by steep, forested ...
in
Castries District
Castries District is one of 10 districts (formerly called quarters) of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. According to the 2012 census, the population of the district was 80,573, having shown a slow but steady increase over the past ten ...
*Marisule Beach in Gros Islet District
*
Pigeon Island beach in Gros Islet District
*La Pointe Beach in
Choiseul District
*Reduit Beach,
Rodney Bay
Rodney Bay is a town and bay located in the Gros Islet District on the island of Saint Lucia. Gros Islet is one of the ten districts in the island. It can be found on the northwestern coast of the island above the Castries District, where the ca ...
in Gros Islet District
*La Toc Beach in
Castries District
Castries District is one of 10 districts (formerly called quarters) of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. According to the 2012 census, the population of the district was 80,573, having shown a slow but steady increase over the past ten ...
*
Vigie Beach
Vigie Beach is located 2 km north of Castries District, Saint Lucia, running parallel and immediately adjacent to the George F. L. Charles Airport
George F. L. Charles Airport (commonly known as Vigie Airport) is the smaller of the two airpo ...
, near the
George F. L. Charles Airport in Castries District
*Yellow Sands Beach in Castries District
Culture
The Caribbean islands have a distinct culture from music to food to art. The foods include exotic fruits and local meats and spices. Chefs on the island have many new flavors for tourists to try and experiment with. Music includes genres ranging from jazz to reggae. Musicians from around the world travel to the small island to attend and perform at festivals. The art encompasses everything from the craftsmanship of the furniture to the paintings and clay sculptures.
Weddings
A report published by American Express Travel in 2006 revealed that St. Lucia is the world's top destination for weddings. According to the report, St. Lucia beat famous destinations like
Las Vegas
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
and the
Maldives
Maldives (, ; dv, ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ, translit=Dhivehi Raajje, ), officially the Republic of Maldives ( dv, ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ, translit=Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa, label=none, ), is an archipelag ...
.
Safety
St. Lucia, like many other Caribbean countries, has been experiencing an increase in serious crime over the past few years. There has been an increase in robberies, burglaries, harassment, and even incidents of violent crime against tourists. Some of these cases have been reported in the international media and as such, St. Lucia's
destination image is at risk. In an attempt to control the crime problem, the government has implemented a number of measures, which includes tougher penalties for some crime. However, these measures have not had a great
effect on the crime rate. This has caused a noticeable decline in the tourist industry on the island.
In an attempt to combat crime against tourists, the Minister of Tourism has adopted a number of measures. In collaboration with the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, they have commissioned a team of Special Constables, who have powers of arrest. These Constables were placed into two groups: the Rapid Response Team and the Rangers. The Rapid Response Team performs both foot and mobile patrol in the tourist and hotel areas both in the north and south of the island. The Rangers also referred to as Beach Rangers, are responsible for patrolling the beaches near the hotels all over the island. By doing so the hope is to assure safety to the visitors on the islands. They also assist the hotel security by patrolling the hotel area.
Additionally, the prominent tourist sites located in
Soufriere, such as the Drive-in Volcano, The Rain Forest, The Diamond Falls, and The Piton Heritage Site have private security officers, who have been hired by the Ministry of Tourism. The Port police also provide security to the tourists from the time they leave the cruise vessel until they return to the port area. They also ensure that the tourist boats are secure while in the port. This is done in collaboration with the Marine Police who constantly patrol the seaport area while the tourist boats are in the harbor. Whenever tourist boats come to the island, police patrols are normally increased in the area in order to ensure that the tourists are secure while on the island.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Royal St. Lucia Police, has also created a system of police audit checks on hotels. This system allows the police to carry out regular checks on security at the hotels around the island. They also advise the hotels on what security changes should be made in order to safeguard tourists. Tourists are still advised to be aware of any suspicious behavior and report anything immediately.
Other attractions
![Toraille Waterfall](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Toraille_Waterfall.JPG)
Saint Lucia, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea between
Martinique
Martinique ( , ; gcf, label=Martinican Creole, Matinik or ; Kalinago: or ) is an island and an overseas department/region and single territorial collectivity of France. An integral part of the French Republic, Martinique is located in th ...
and
Saint Vincent, is the second-largest of the Windward Islands. The interior of the volcanically formed island consists of mountains and hills and is surrounded by a coastal strip. The cone-like twin peaks of the Gros Piton and Petit Piton are Saint Lucia's outstanding natural features.
Although cruises and beaches are what draw most tourists to
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ( acf, Sent Lisi, french: Sainte-Lucie) is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. The island was previously called Iouanalao and later Hewanorra, names given by the native Arawaks and Caribs, two Amerindian ...
, other attractions include:
*The
Pitons, two volcanic plugs rising more than 700 m directly from the sea that form part of a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...
.
*
Sulphur Springs
Mineral springs are naturally occurring springs that produces hard water, water that contains dissolved minerals. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the spring water during its passage under ...
- Located in the
Soufrière District
Soufrière is a district on the Southwest coast of Saint Lucia in the West Indies. Soufrière was the former capital of Saint Lucia during times of French rule. It is now a small fishing port with an emerging tourism industry. It has several tou ...
, it is the world's only drive-in
volcano
A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface.
On Earth, volcanoes are most often found where tectonic plates are ...
.
*
St. Lucia Botanical Gardens - This
botanical garden
A botanical garden or botanic gardenThe terms ''botanic'' and ''botanical'' and ''garden'' or ''gardens'' are used more-or-less interchangeably, although the word ''botanic'' is generally reserved for the earlier, more traditional gardens, an ...
has a wide variety of plant species, and a
sulfur
Sulfur (or sulphur in British English) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with a chemical formula ...
waterfall
A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf.
Waterfalls can be formed in several wa ...
.
*Toraille Waterfall on the Ravine Toraille in Soufrière District.
Major cities
![Saint Lucia, administrative divisions - fr - monochrome](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Saint_Lucia%2C_administrative_divisions_-_fr_-_monochrome.svg)
There are 10
districts
A district is a type of administrative division that, in some countries, is managed by the local government. Across the world, areas known as "districts" vary greatly in size, spanning regions or counties, several municipalities, subdivisions o ...
(formerly called quarters) in Saint Lucia. Each district has a city with the same name as the district that serves as the seat of the district government. Some of the cities that tourists are drawn to include:
*
Castries
Castries is the capital and largest city of Saint Lucia, an island country in the Caribbean. The urban area has a population of approximately 20,000, while the eponymous district has a population of 70,000, as at May 2013. The city stretches o ...
, Castries District, population: 20,000
*
Choisuel,
Choiseul District, population: 346
*
Gros Islet
Gros Islet (English: ''Large Island'') is a community near the northern tip of the island country of Saint Lucia, in the Gros Islet Quarter. Originally a quiet fishing village, it has become one of the more popular tourist destinations in the cou ...
and
Pigeon Island,
Gros Islet District, population: 2,362
*
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is located on the western coast of the Caribbean island country of Saint Lucia, 3.75 miles southwest from Castries and a short distance from the Saint Lucian National Marine Reserve. It is surrounded on three sides by steep, forested ...
, Castries District, population: 799
*
Soufrière,
Soufrière District
Soufrière is a district on the Southwest coast of Saint Lucia in the West Indies. Soufrière was the former capital of Saint Lucia during times of French rule. It is now a small fishing port with an emerging tourism industry. It has several tou ...
, population: 2,918
See also
*
: Tourist attractions in Saint Lucia
** BodyHoliday Resort St. Lucia
** Cap Maison
*
Districts of Saint Lucia
The island nation of Saint Lucia is divided into 10 districts (formerly called Quarters). The name ''Quarters'' or ''Quartiers'' originally came from the French period in Saint Lucia (Sainte Lucie in French). The 2001 and 2010 Census of Saint Lu ...
*
Economy of Saint Lucia
Once a single-crop agricultural economy, Saint Lucia has shifted to a tourism and banking serviced-based economy. Tourism, the island's biggest industry and main source of jobs, income and foreign exchange, accounts for 65% of its GDP. Agricul ...
*
List of airports in Saint Lucia
*
List of rivers of Saint Lucia
This is a list of rivers in the island country of Saint Lucia. Rivers are listed in clockwise order, starting at the north end of the island.
Rivers
There are 180 streams in Saint Lucia. Most of the rivers empty into the Atlantic Ocean or Cari ...
*
List of cities in Saint Lucia
This is a list of cities, towns, and other inhabited places in the 10 districts of the island country of Saint Lucia. There are 150 inhabited places in Saint Lucia. The significant cities and the district where they are located are listed belo ...
*
Saint Lucian cuisine
Saint Lucian cuisine is a combination of French, East Indian and British dishes. Before colonization, the Caribs and the Arawaks occupied the island, surviving on its various natural fruits and vegetables like mangoes, oranges, tangerines, avoca ...
*
Visa policy of Saint Lucia
References
External links
*
St. Lucia Tourism Board
{{authority control
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ( acf, Sent Lisi, french: Sainte-Lucie) is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. The island was previously called Iouanalao and later Hewanorra, names given by the native Arawaks and Caribs, two Amerindian ...