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About St. Lucia
The tropical island of Saint Lucia lies at latitude 13° 54' north and 60° 50' west of the Equator. One of
the Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean archipelago and is
approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles northwest of Barbados. Its capital Castries
(population 70,596) is situated to the northwest of the island. The Atlantic Ocean rims Saint Lucia's
eastern shore while the Caribbean Sea lines the west coast which offers the calmest surf and finest beaches.
Language
The official language spoken in Saint Lucia is English although many Saint Lucians also speak a French
dialect, Creole (Kwéyòl). Creole 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 Creole. In October, Saint Lucians
celebrate their Creole heritage and language during the staging of the annual Jounen Kwéyòl Festival.
Physical Characteristics
The Island is approximately 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a largely
mountainous topography. A central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging
between 1000 and 3145 feet in elevation. Saint Lucia's landscape is a combination of high mountains,
lush rainforests, low lying lands and beaches. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet
chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes. The two towering volcanic
cones on the southwest coast, 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. The Average rainfall is
between 160-360cm depending on altitude and time of year.
Population
The population is currently estimated at 172,570 with a workforce of about 65,000 and an annual
population growth rate of approximately 2%.
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