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ST. LUCIAThe island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit St. Lucia is during the drier months from December to April. Budget travelers can anticipate 50% discounts during the off-season. FACTS ABOUT ST. LUCIA - Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
- Geographic coordinates: 13 53 N, 60 58 W
- Area: 616 sq km
- Coastline: 158 km
- Max elevation: Mount Gimie 950 m
- Population: 172,884
- Capital: Castries
- Government: Parliamentary democracy
- Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Internet Country Code: .lc
- Calling code: 758
- Ethnic groups: black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)
- Languages: English (official), French patois
- Religions: Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5%
- Major Industries: Clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut processing
- Natural resources: Forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential
- Environmental issues: Deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region
- Climate: Tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August
- Average sea surface temp: 28 °C
- Average annual rainfall: 1,520 mm
- Average annual tourist arrivals: 345,183
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