Overview of Saint Lucia

Quick Overview

A few kilometres south of Martinique, this former British territory is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Administratively, it is also one of the nine members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, whose headquarters is in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is also part of what is known as the Commonwealth Realm.

Of volcanic origin, the island offers very beautiful "mountainous" landscapes, lush forests, and some of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean. As a result, Saint Lucia attracts its share of visitors, mainly English-speaking tourists or cruise passengers, and tourism is the island’s major economic activity, contributing nearly half of the country’s wealth. Over 80% of the population is of African origin, with around 20% expatriates, mostly in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Key Facts

• Location: in the heart of the Caribbean, just below Martinique.

• Latitude/longitude: 13.53 N, 60.58 W.

• Local time: Heure : 2646

• Capital: Castries.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary democracy and member of the Commonwealth.

• Official language: while English is the official language, Creole is also widely spoken.

• Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar.

• Population: 165,510 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 617 km².

• Density: 268 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Gimie (950 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 158 km.

• Driving: on the left.

• Flag: [drapeau: Saint Lucia]

Tourism

Tourism is the island’s leading economic sector, accounting for nearly half of the country’s wealth. With its stunning mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and some of the Caribbean’s most popular beaches, Saint Lucia attracts over 350,000 visitors annually (396,000 in 2018), mainly English-speaking tourists and cruise passengers. Americans (over a third of arrivals), Canadians, and Britons make up the vast majority of visitors. In contrast, fewer than 10,000 French travellers visit each year, most of them Martinican residents.

In terms of infrastructure, most facilities are concentrated in the northern part of the island, around the capital and Rodney Bay. This is where the (large) hotels, marinas, and especially the cruise port are located. The south, meanwhile, is wilder, with activities to match, and has fewer facilities, though major tourism projects regularly plan to "concretise" this part of the coast. Overall, Saint Lucia targets high-end, largely Americanised tourism, with the services and prices to match.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travellers.

• By air: France-Saint Lucia for 580 to 980 € round trip.

• Entry requirements: ID card or passport.

• Currency to bring: US dollars.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget: 50 to 70 € per person.

• Best for accommodation: guesthouses.

• Best for getting around: shared minibuses.

• Risks: low in terms of health and safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: late April-May and early December.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★★

Addresses in France

• Tourist Office: 76, rue d’Allerey, 75015 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 45 32 02 54. Another office is also located in Martinique (tel.: +596 596 37 66 56).

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 90/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $14,400 (2017)

• Average monthly income: $550 (2012)

• Inflation: +0.1% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment:

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 78.1 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -2.5 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.31% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 90% (2012)

• Urban population: 18.7% (2018)

• Press freedom: 35/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook