View source for Saint Lucia

{{Short description|Country in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea}}
{{about|the country|the Roman Christian martyr who is sometimes called Saint Lucia|Saint Lucy|other uses|Saint Lucia (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-move}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Saint Lucia
| common_name            = Saint Lucia
| native_name            = {{native name|acf|Sent Lisi}}
| image_flag             = Flag of Saint Lucia.svg
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Saint Lucia.svg
| image_map              = Saint Lucia on the globe (Americas centered).svg
| map_caption            = {{map caption |location_color=circled in red |region=the [[Caribbean]] |region_color=none}}
| image_map2             = Saint Lucia map.gif
| map2_width             = 250px
| national_motto         = "[[Coat of arms of Saint Lucia|The Land, The People, The Light]]"
| national_anthem        = "[[Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia]]"<br /><div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">{{center|[[File:National Anthem of Saint Lucia.ogg]]}}</div>
| royal_anthem           = "[[God Save the King]]"<br /><div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">[[File:United States Navy Band - God Save the King.oga]]</div>
| official_languages     = [[English Language|English]]
| languages_type         = [[Vernacular|Vernacular<br /> language]]s
| languages              = [[Saint Lucian Creole|Saint Lucian French Creole]]<ref name="sltb-about">{{cite web | url = http://www.stlucia.org/planner/about.asp | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130605065323/http://www.stlucia.org/planner/about.asp | title = About St. Lucia | quote = The official language spoken in Saint Lucia is English although many Saint Lucians also speak a French dialect, Creole (Kwéyòl). | publisher = St. Lucia Tourist Board | location = [[Castries]], St. Lucia | archive-date = 5 June 2013}}</ref>
| demonym                = Saint Lucian
| ethnic_groups          = {{vunblist
  | 85.3% [[Afro-Saint Lucian|African]]
  | 10.9% [[Multiracial|Mixed]]
  | 2.2% [[Indo-Saint Lucian|Indian]]
  | 1.6% other/ unspecified
 }}
| ethnic_groups_year     = 2020<ref name="CIAStLucia"/>
| religion               = {{ublist |item_style=white-space:nowrap;
  |77.4% [[Christianity]]
  |14.4% [[Irreligion|no religion]]
  |1.4% [[Rastafari]]
  |2.7% other
  |4.1% not stated
  }}
| religion_year          = 2022
| religion_ref           = <ref>{{Cite web| title=Saint Lucia Population and Housing Census - 2022 | url=https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StLucia-Provisional-Census-Report-2022-Release-1Rev1.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816155906/https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StLucia-Provisional-Census-Report-2022-Release-1Rev1.pdf | archive-date=2024-08-16}}</ref>
| capital                = [[Castries]]
| coordinates            = {{coord|13|53|00|N|60|58|00|W|type:adm1st_globe:earth_region:LC_source:geonames |display=inline,title}}<ref name="geonames">[{{geonameslink|gnid=3576468|name=saint-lucia}} Saint Lucia] in [{{geonamesabout}} Geonames.org (cc-by)]</ref>
| largest_settlement     = capital
| government_type        = Unitary parliamentary [[constitutional monarchy]]
| leader_title1          = [[Monarchy of Saint Lucia|Monarch]]
| leader_name1           = {{Current Saint Lucian monarch |Charles III}}
| leader_title2          = {{nowrap|[[Governor-General of Saint Lucia|Governor-General]]}}
| leader_name2           = [[Errol Charles]]
| leader_title3          = [[Prime Minister of Saint Lucia|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name3           = [[Philip J. Pierre]]
| legislature            = [[Parliament of Saint Lucia|Parliament]]
| upper_house            = [[Senate of Saint Lucia|Senate]]
| lower_house            = [[House of Assembly of Saint Lucia|House of Assembly]]
| sovereignty_type       = Independence
| established_event1     = [[Associated Statehood Act 1967|Associated State]]
| established_date1      = 1 March 1967
| established_event2     = Independence from the [[United Kingdom]]
| established_date2      = 22 February 1979
| area_rank              = 178th <!-- Should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| area_magnitude         = 
| area_km2               = 617
| area_sq_mi             = 238.23
| percent_water          = 1.6
| population_estimate    = {{increaseNeutral}} 178,696<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stats.gov.lc/|title=Home|website=The Central Statistical Office of Saint Lucia|access-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926035821/https://stats.gov.lc/|archive-date=26 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_estimate_rank = 177th
| population_estimate_year = 2018
| population_census      = 165,595
| population_census_year = 2010
| population_density_km2 = 299.4
| population_density_sq_mi = 777
| population_density_rank = 29th
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $3.452 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.LC">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=362,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Saint Lucia) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026203545/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=362,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year           = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 182nd
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = {{increase}} $18,972<ref name="IMFWEO.LC" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 90th
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $2.469 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.LC" />
| GDP_nominal_year       = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 186th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $13,572<ref name="IMFWEO.LC" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 70th
| Gini                   = 51.2 <!--number only-->
| Gini_year              = 2016
| Gini_change            = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref               = <ref name="wb-gini">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/ |title=Gini Index coefficient |publisher=CIA World Factbook |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717071854/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison |url-status=live }}</ref>

| HDI_year               = 2023<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI                    = 0.748 <!--number only-->
| HDI_ref                = <ref>{{Cite web |date= 26 May 2025 |title=Human Development Report 2023/2024 |url= https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/specific-country-data#/countries/LCA|access-date=25 May 2025 |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] |language=en}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 103rd
| currency               = [[East Caribbean dollar]]
| currency_code          = XCD
| time_zone              = [[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]]
| utc_offset             = −4
| time_zone_DST          = 
| DST_note               = 
| utc_offset_DST         = 
| date_format            = {{nowrap|dd/mm/yyyy}}
| drives_on              = left
| calling_code           = +1
| cctld                  = [[.lc]]
| iso3166code            = LC
| today                  = 
}}

'''Saint Lucia'''{{efn|({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|uː|ʃ|ə}}; {{respell|LOO|shə}}) {{langx|acf|Sent Lisi}}}} is an [[island country]] in the eastern [[Caribbean]].<ref name="GovC" /> Part of the [[Windward Islands]] of the [[Lesser Antilles]], it is located north/northeast of the island of [[Saint Vincent (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)|Saint Vincent]], northwest of [[Barbados]] and south of [[Martinique]]. It covers a land area of {{convert|617|km2|abbr=in}} with an estimated population of over 180,000 people as of 2018. The nation's capital and largest city is [[Castries]].

The first proven inhabitants of the island, the [[Arawaks]], are believed to have been the first to settle on the island in 200–400 AD. In 800 AD, the island was taken over by the [[Kalinago]]. The [[French people|French]] were the first [[European colonization of the Americas|European colonists]] to settle on the island, and they signed a treaty with the native Caribs in 1660. The [[English people|English]] took control of the island in 1663. In ensuing years, [[Kingdom of England|England]] and [[Kingdom of France|France]] fought 14 times for control of the island; consequently control over this immensely valuable geopolitical position changed frequently. Eventually, the [[British Empire|British]] took complete control in 1814, shortly after the victory over French Emperor [[Napoleon|Napoleon I]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Saint Lucia |url=https://caricom.org/country_profiles/saint-lucia/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=CARICOM |language=en-US |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102022109/https://caricom.org/country_profiles/saint-lucia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Because the island switched so often between British and French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West" after the Greek mythological character, [[Helen of Troy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Saint Lucia |url=https://www.embassyofstlucia.org/history-of-saint-lucia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601221448/https://www.embassyofstlucia.org/history-of-saint-lucia |archive-date=1 June 2023 |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=embassyofsaintlucia |language=en}}</ref>

[[Representative government]] was introduced in 1924 with [[universal suffrage]] being established in 1951.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sluelectoral.com/about-elections/knowledge-base-resources/election-timeline-of-saint-lucia/ | title=Election Timeline of Saint Lucia | date=13 September 2023 | access-date=15 December 2022 | archive-date=15 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215231237/https://www.sluelectoral.com/about-elections/knowledge-base-resources/election-timeline-of-saint-lucia/ | url-status=live }}</ref> From 1958 to 1962, the island was a member of the [[West Indies Federation]]. On 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state, while remaining as a [[Commonwealth realm]].<ref name="GovC">[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1978/1901/made "The Saint Lucia Constitution"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134652/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1978/1901/made |date=25 January 2018 }} (1978-December-20 effective 1979-February-22), Government of St. Lucia, December 2008.</ref>

Saint Lucia is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Organization of American States]], the [[World Trade Organization]], [[CARICOM]] and the [[Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States]] (OECS). It is also a member of {{lang|fr|[[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie]]}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDI_2008_EN_Tables.pdf |title=Human development indices |publisher=Undp.org |date=2008 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112083827/http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDI_2008_EN_Tables.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2012 }}</ref>

==Etymology==
Saint Lucia is named after [[Saint Lucy|Saint Lucy of Syracuse]] (AD 283 – 304).<ref name="CIA World Factbook – St Lucia">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/ |title=CIA World Factbook – St Lucia |access-date=30 June 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212013122/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Saint Lucia is one of two sovereign states in the world named after a female<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/646162/Ten-things-you-never-knew-about-St-Lucia|title=Top 10 facts about St Lucia|last=Hartston|first=William|date=21 February 2016|website=Express.co.uk|access-date=2016-06-13|archive-date=1 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050335/https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/646162/Ten-things-you-never-knew-about-St-Lucia|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the only one named after a [[woman]] ([[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] is named after a [[goddess]]). Legend states that French sailors were [[shipwreck]]ed on the island on 13 December, the [[feast day]] of St. Lucy, and therefore named the island in her honour.{{sfn|Harmsen|Ellis|Devaux|2014|p=14}} 

A globe in the [[Vatican City|Vatican]] from 1520 shows the island as Sancta Lucia, indicating that the island was instead named by early [[Conquistador|Spanish explorers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia |url=https://caricom.org/country_profiles/saint-lucia/ |website=CARICOM |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207075359/https://caricom.org/country_profiles/saint-lucia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Saint Lucia was first known as ''Louanalao'' by the [[Arawak]] Indians in 200 AD, meaning "Island of the [[Iguana|Iguanas]]," and then as ''Hewanorra'', in 800 AD, meaning "there where iguanas are found," when the [[Kalinago|Carib]] Indians arrived and assimilated their culture into Saint Lucia.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hyacinth-Gideon |first=C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xPA6BAAAQBAJ |title=Saint Lucia |date=29 July 2014 |publisher=Author House |isbn=978-1-4969-8483-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History & Culture of Saint Lucia {{!}} Let Her Inspire You |url=https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/discover-saint-lucia/history-culture/#:~:text=Saint%20Lucia%20was%20first%20known,their%20culture%20into%20Saint%20Lucia. |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Saint Lucia Tourism Authority |language=en-UK}}</ref>{{sfn|Harmsen|Ellis|Devaux|2014|p=10}}

==History==
{{main|History of Saint Lucia}}

===Pre-Columbian ===
The first proven inhabitants of Saint Lucia were the [[Arawak|Arawaks]], though there may have been other native peoples prior to them. The Arawaks are believed to have come from northern South America, sometime around AD 200–400, as there are numerous [[Archaeology|archaeological]] sites on the island where specimens of their pottery have been found.<ref name=AllAbout>{{Cite web|url=https://allaboutstlucia.com/|title=All About St. Lucia|website=All About St. Lucia|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=28 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928041850/https://allaboutstlucia.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE AT SAINT LUCIA, WEST INDIES |url=https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2018/07/stlucia2004.pdf}}</ref>

The [[Kalinago]] (Island Caribs) arrived around AD 800, and seized control from the Arawaks by killing their men and assimilating the women into their own society.<ref name=AllAbout/><ref>{{Cite web |title=History & Culture of Saint Lucia {{!}} Let Her Inspire You |url=https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/history-culture/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Saint Lucia Tourism Authority |language=en-US}}</ref> 

===Early European exploration and colonization ===
It is possible that [[Christopher Columbus]] may have sighted the island during his fourth voyage in 1502, but he does not mention the island in his log.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-21 |title=Why St Lucia CIP is Top Class and Super Interesting – Best Citizenships |url=https://best-citizenships.com/2021/06/21/why-saint-lucia-citizenship-is-top-class-and-super-interesting/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Juan de la Cosa]] noted the island on his map of 1500, calling it ''El Falcon'', and another island to the south ''Las Agujas''. A Spanish [[Real cédula|cédula]] from 1511 mentions the island within the Spanish domain, and a globe in the Vatican made in 1520, shows the island as Sancta Lucia.<ref name="auto"/>

In the late 1550s, the French [[pirate]] [[François le Clerc]] (known as ''Jambe de Bois'', due to his wooden leg) set up a camp on [[Pigeon Island (Saint Lucia)|Pigeon Island]], from where he attacked passing Spanish ships. In 1605, an English vessel called the ''Oliphe Blossome'' was blown off-course on its way to [[Guyana]], and the 67 colonists started a settlement on Saint Lucia, after initially being welcomed by the Carib chief Anthonie. By 26 September 1605, only 19 survived following continued attacks by the Carib chief Augraumart, so the settlers fled the island.{{sfn|Harmsen|Ellis|Devaux|2014|pp=16–21}} The English tried to settle the island again in 1638, but the Caribs continued to be hostile. Eventually, the French successfully claimed the island in 1650 and they signed a treaty with the Caribs in 1660.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Saint Lucia – History {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia/History |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712072122/https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia/History |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1664, Thomas Warner (son of [[Thomas Warner (explorer)|Sir Thomas Warner]], the governor of [[St Kitts]]) claimed Saint Lucia for England but the English fled again in 1666, with the French gaining full control of the island after the signing of the [[Treaty of Breda (1667)|Treaty of Breda]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Niddrie, David Lawrence, Momsen, Janet D., Tolson, Richard. "history of Saint Lucia". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Saint-Lucia. Accessed 10 May 2025</ref> Saint Lucia was made an official French crown colony in 1674, as a dependency of [[Martinique]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Lucia – History {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia/History |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712072122/https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia/History |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" />

===18th and 19th centuries===
{{Main|French West Indies|British West Indies|British Windward Islands}}

After the slave-based sugar industry developed, both the British and the French found the island attractive. During the 18th century, the island changed ownership, or was declared neutral territory, a dozen times, although the French settlements remained and the island was a de facto French colony well into the eighteenth century.

In 1722, [[George I of Great Britain]] granted both Saint Lucia and [[Saint Vincent (island)|Saint Vincent]] to the [[John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu|2nd Duke of Montagu]]. Montague appointed [[Nathaniel Uring]], a merchant sea captain and adventurer, as deputy-governor. Uring went to the islands with a group of seven ships, and established settlement at Petit Carenage. Unable to get enough support from British warships, he and the new colonists were quickly run off by the French.<ref>{{DNB|wstitle=Montagu, John (1688?-1749)|first=Henry Manners |last=Chichester|volume=38}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A relation of the late intended settlement of the islands of St. Lucia and St. Vincent, in America; in right of the Duke of Montagu, and orders, in the year 1722 {{!}} Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/02014209/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.loc.gov}}</ref>

During the [[Seven Years' War]], Britain occupied Saint Lucia for a year, but handed the island back to the French in 1763, under the [[Treaty of Paris (1763)|Treaty of Paris]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Edu |first1=World History |title=Treaty of Paris (1763) – Key Provisions, Outcomes & Significance |url=https://www.worldhistoryedu.com/treaty-of-paris-in-1763-key-provisions-outcomes-and-significance/ |website=World History Edu |access-date=9 February 2023 |date=15 October 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209231341/https://www.worldhistoryedu.com/treaty-of-paris-in-1763-key-provisions-outcomes-and-significance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Like the English and Dutch on other islands, in 1765, the French began to develop the land for the cultivation of sugar cane as a commodity crop on large plantations. The British [[Battle of St. Lucia|occupied the island]] again in 1778.

From 1782 to 1803, control of the island switched multiple times. In January 1791, during the [[French Revolution]], the [[National Assembly (French Revolution)|National Assembly]] sent four ''commissaires'' to St Lucia to spread the revolutionary philosophy. By August 1791, slaves began to abandon their estates and Governor [[Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat]] fled. In December 1792, Lt. [[Jean-Baptiste Raymond de Lacrosse]] arrived with revolutionary pamphlets, and the impoverished whites and free people of colour began to arm themselves as ''patriots''. On 1 February 1793, France declared war on England and Holland, and General [[Nicolas Xavier de Ricard]] took over as Governor. The [[National Convention]] abolished enslavement on 4 February 1794. On 1 April 1794, St. Lucia was captured by a British expeditionary force led by Vice Admiral [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]]. [[Morne Fortune]] was renamed ''Fort Charlotte''. Soon, a combined force of [[French Revolutionary Army]] soldiers and [[maroons]], ''L'Armee Française dans les Bois'', began to fight back, starting the First Brigand War.{{sfn|Harmsen|Ellis|Devaux|2014|pp=60–65}}

A short time later, the British invaded the island as a part of the war with France that had recently broken out. On 21 February 1795, French forces under the nominal control of [[Victor Hugues]], defeated a battalion of British troops at Vieux Fort and Rabot. In 1796, [[Castries]] was burned as part of the conflict. Leading the [[27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot|27th (Inniskilling) Regiment]], [[John Moore (British Army officer)|General John Moore]] retook Fort Charlotte in 1796, after two days of bitter fighting. As an honour, the Fusiliers' regimental colour was displayed on the flagstaff of the captured fortress at [[Morne Fortune]] for an hour before being replaced by the [[Union Jack]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Trimble|first=Copeland|title=Historical record of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment from the period of its institution as a volunteer corps till the present time|publisher=William Clowes|year=1876|url=https://archive.org/details/historicalrecor02goog|page=[https://archive.org/details/historicalrecor02goog/page/n83 49]}}</ref> Upon the capture of the fort, Moore's superior, [[Ralph Abercromby]], departed the island and placed Moore in charge of the British garrison. Moore remained at this post until falling ill with [[yellow fever]], leading to his return to Britain before 1798.

In 1803, the British regained control of the island. Many members of the ''L'Armee Française dans les Bois'' escaped into the thick rainforest where they evaded capture and established [[Maroons|maroon communities]].<ref>''They Called Us the Brigands. The Saga of St. Lucia's Freedom Fighters'' by Robert J Devaux</ref>

Slavery on the island continued for a short time, but anti-slavery sentiment was rising in Britain. The British stopped the import of slaves by anyone, white or coloured, when they [[Slave Trade Act 1807|abolished the slave trade]] in 1807.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliament and the British Slave Trade |url=https://www.parliament.uk/slavetrade/ |website=UK Parliament |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206211259/https://www.parliament.uk/slavetrade/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

France and Great Britain continued to contest Saint Lucia until the British secured it in 1814, as part of the [[Treaty of Paris (1814)|Treaty of Paris]], ending the [[Napoleonic Wars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=St Lucia country profile |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19833213 |website=BBC News |date=18 October 2012 |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206211256/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19833213 |url-status=live }}</ref> Thereafter, Saint Lucia was considered one of the [[British Windward Islands]] colonies.

The institution of slavery was abolished on the island in 1834, as it was [[Slavery Abolition Act 1833|throughout the British Empire]]. After abolition, all former slaves had to serve a four-year "apprenticeship", to accustom them to the idea of freedom. During that period, they worked for their former masters for at least three-quarters of the work week. Full freedom was duly granted by the British in 1838.<ref>{{Cite web |title=6 facts you should know about Emancipation in the Caribbean |url=https://www.loopnews.com/content/6-facts-you-should-know-about-emancipation-in-the-caribbean/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Loop News |language=en-US}}</ref> By that time, people of African ethnicity greatly outnumbered those of ethnic European background. People of Carib descent also comprised a minority on the island.

[[File:Flag of Saint Lucia (1939–1967).svg|thumb|[[Flag of Saint Lucia]] 1939–1967]]

===20th century===
Saint Lucia's first representative government was introduced in 1924, with the first election taking place in 1925.<ref>{{cite web |title=Electoral History – Saint Lucia |url=http://www.electoral.gov.lc/about-elections/levels-of-government/electoral-history |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605232442/http://www.electoral.gov.lc/about-elections/levels-of-government/electoral-history |archive-date=5 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=Electoral History |url=https://www.sluelectoral.com/about-elections/levels-of-government/electoral-history/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Saint Lucia Electoral Department |language=en-US}}</ref> Many Saint Lucians served during the [[Second World War]], and the conflict visited the island directly during the [[Battle of the Caribbean]], when a German [[U-boat]] attacked and sank two British ships in [[Castries]] harbour on 9 March 1942.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Digital |first1=V. P. |title=Remembering What to Never Forget |url=https://thevoiceslu.com/2014/11/remembering-what-to-never-forget/ |access-date=13 February 2023 |work=St. Lucia News From The Voice |agency=The Voice SLU |publisher=The Voice SLU |date=17 November 2014 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213203327/https://thevoiceslu.com/2014/11/remembering-what-to-never-forget/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The United States used the island as a military hub during the war, including setting up a [[NAF St. Lucia|secondary naval base]] in [[Gros Islet]] and using what is now the [[Hewanorra International Airport|island's international airport]] as an [[United States Air Force|air force]] base.

Universal suffrage was introduced in 1951 and elections [[1951 Saint Lucian general election|were held]] the same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia observes Universal Adult Suffrage |url=https://www.govt.lc/news/saint-lucia-observes-universal-adult-suffrage |website=Saint Lucia – Government Web Portal |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212133357/https://www.govt.lc/news/saint-lucia-observes-universal-adult-suffrage |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1958, Saint Lucia joined the [[West Indies Federation]], although the federation was dissolved just a few years later in 1962.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia – Countries – Office of the Historian |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/saint-lucia |website=history.state.gov |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213071903/https://history.state.gov/countries/saint-lucia |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1967, Saint Lucia became one of the six members of the [[West Indies Associated States]], with internal self-government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/summaries |website=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212133356/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/summaries |url-status=live }}</ref> Independence was peacefully gained in 1979 under [[Sir John Compton]] of [[United Workers Party (Saint Lucia)|United Workers Party]], with the island remaining within the [[British Commonwealth]], keeping then-Queen [[Elizabeth II]] as [[Monarchy of Saint Lucia|Monarch]], represented locally by a [[Governor-General of Saint Lucia|Governor-General]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia – Independence {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia/Independence |website=www.britannica.com |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Post-independence era===
Despite leading the country to independence, Compton's initial term as prime minister lasted only a few months, being defeated by the [[Saint Lucia Labour Party]] (SLP) under [[Allan Louisy]] in the [[1979 Saint Lucian general election]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia General Election Results 1979 |url=http://caribbeanelections.com/lc/elections/lc_results_1979.asp |website=caribbeanelections.com |access-date=5 February 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524181906/http://www.caribbeanelections.com/lc/elections/lc_results_1979.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1980, [[Hurricane Allen]] struck the island, destroying much of its infrastructure and reducing economic growth. Compton returned to power after the [[1982 Saint Lucian general election]] after much instability during the labour government's term.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/17/world/around-the-world-st-lucia-premier-quits-over-a-series-of-strikes.html|title=St. Lucia Premier Quits Over a Series of Strikes|date=17 January 1982|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=22 February 2010|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816122856/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/17/world/around-the-world-st-lucia-premier-quits-over-a-series-of-strikes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During Compton's second term as the island's leader, banana exports significantly increased and became the nation's main source of revenue. There were improvements to infrastructure, and education was expanded to rural areas. Saint Lucia was key to the [[US invasion of Grenada]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 September 2007 |title=Sir John Compton |url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/09/guardianobituaries.obituaries1 |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> During the 1990s and 2000s, the nation's economy began shifting from agriculture to tourism under the leadership of [[Kenny Anthony]]. The [[9/11 attacks]] in the United States in 2001 killed two Saint Lucians, and caused an economic slowdown, although moderate growth continued until the [[Great Recession]]. The recession, as well as the landfall of [[Hurricane Tomas]] in 2010, led to slow economic growth during the early 2010s, although the economy picked up during the later part of the decade and avoided contraction until 2020, after the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] caused [[COVID-19 recession|major economic issues]] globally.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

In June 2016, the [[United Workers Party (Saint Lucia)|United Workers Party]] (UWP), led by [[Allen Chastanet|Allen Michael Chastanet]], won 11 of the 17 seats in the [[2016 Saint Lucian general election|general election]], ousting the [[St Lucia Labour Party]] (SLP) of the incumbent Prime Minister [[Kenny Anthony]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Allen Chastanet sworn in as new Saint Lucia Prime Minister |url=https://caricom.org/allen-chastanet-sworn-in-as-new-saint-lucia-prime-minister/ |work=CARICOM |date=7 June 2016 |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519030847/https://caricom.org/allen-chastanet-sworn-in-as-new-saint-lucia-prime-minister/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Saint Lucia Labour Party won the next [[2021 Saint Lucian general election|election]] in July 2021, meaning its leader [[Philip J. Pierre|Philip J Pierre]] became the ninth Prime Minister of Saint Lucia since independence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pierre to be sworn in as Prime Minister {{!}} Loop St. Lucia |url=https://stlucia.loopnews.com/content/pierre-be-sworn-prime-minister |work=Loop News |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Saint Lucia}}
[[File:Saint Lucia geography map en.png|thumb|upright=0.9|A map of Saint Lucia]]
Saint Lucia has a total area of 617 square kilometers (238 sq mi). As a [[volcanic island]], Saint Lucia is very mountainous, with its highest point being [[Mount Gimie]], at {{convert|950|m|ft|-1|abbr=off}} above sea level.<ref name="CIA World Factbook – St Lucia"/><ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica – St Lucia">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia |title=Encyclopædia Britannica – St Lucia |access-date=30 June 2019 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803155625/https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Lucia |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Pitons (Saint Lucia)|Pitons]], two mountainous [[volcanic plug]]s, form the island's most famous landmark.<ref name="CIA World Factbook – St Lucia"/><ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica – St Lucia"/> Saint Lucia is also home to the world's only drive-in volcano, the [[Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia|Sulphur Springs]]. There are a number of [[List of Caribbean islands#Saint Lucia|small islands]] off the coast, the largest of which are the Maria Islands, located in the south-east of the island.

Saint Lucia lies at latitude [[14th parallel north|14° N]] and longitude [[61st meridian west|61° W]]. The population tends to be concentrated around the coast, with the interior more sparsely populated, due to the presence of dense forests.<ref name="CIA World Factbook – St Lucia"/><ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica – St Lucia"/> 

===Flora and fauna===
Many [[species]] are [[Endemism|endemic]] to the island, including ''[[Anolis luciae]]'', a species of lizard,<ref>[[Bo Beolens|Beolens, Bo]]; [[Michael Watkins (zoologist)|Watkins, Michael]]; [[Michael Grayson|Grayson, Michael]] (2011). ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (Lucia, p. 162).</ref><ref>{{EMBL species|genus=Anolis|species=luciae}}. www.reptile-database.org</ref> and ''[[Boa orophias]]'', a species of [[Boidae|boid]] snake.

===Ecoregions===
Saint Lucia has five terrestrial [[Ecoregion|ecoregions]]: Windward Islands [[moist forest]]s, Leeward Islands [[dry forests]], Windward Islands dry forests, Windward Islands [[xeric scrub]], and [[Lesser Antilles mangroves]].<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}</ref> The country had a 2019 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 6.17/10, ranking it 84th globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|display-authors=1|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Climate===
Saint Lucia has a [[tropical climate]], specifically a [[tropical rainforest climate]] (Af), moderated by northeast [[trade winds]], with a dry season from 1 December to 31 May, and a wet/rainy season from 1 June to 30 November.

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures are around {{convert|30|C|F|1|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|24|C|F|1|abbr=on}} respectively. Being fairly close to the equator, the island's temperature does not fluctuate much between winter and summer.

{{Weather box
| location = St Lucia
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| width = auto
| Jan high C = 29
| Feb high C = 29
| Mar high C = 29
| Apr high C = 30
| May high C = 31
| Jun high C = 31
| Jul high C = 31
| Aug high C = 31
| Sep high C = 31
| Oct high C = 31
| Nov high C = 30
| Dec high C = 29
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 26
| Feb mean C = 26
| Mar mean C = 26
| Apr mean C = 27
| May mean C = 28
| Jun mean C = 28
| Jul mean C = 28
| Aug mean C = 28
| Sep mean C = 28
| Oct mean C = 28
| Nov mean C = 27
| Dec mean C = 26
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 23
| Feb low C = 23
| Mar low C = 24
| Apr low C = 24
| May low C = 25
| Jun low C = 25
| Jul low C = 25
| Aug low C = 25
| Sep low C = 25
| Oct low C = 25
| Nov low C = 24
| Dec low C = 24
| year low C = 
| Jan precipitation mm = 125
| Feb precipitation mm = 95
| Mar precipitation mm = 75
| Apr precipitation mm = 90
| May precipitation mm = 125
| Jun precipitation mm = 200
| Jul precipitation mm = 245
| Aug precipitation mm = 205
| Sep precipitation mm = 225
| Oct precipitation mm = 260
| Nov precipitation mm = 215
| Dec precipitation mm = 160
| year precipitation mm = 
| Jan precipitation days = 14
| Feb precipitation days = 9
| Mar precipitation days = 10
| Apr precipitation days = 10
| May precipitation days = 11
| Jun precipitation days = 15
| Jul precipitation days = 18
| Aug precipitation days = 16
| Sep precipitation days = 17
| Oct precipitation days = 20
| Nov precipitation days = 18
| Dec precipitation days = 16
| year rain days = 
| Jan sun = 248
| Jan percentsun = 
| Feb sun = 226
| Feb percentsun = 
| Mar sun = 248
| Mar percentsun = 
| Apr sun = 240
| Apr percentsun = 
| May sun = 248
| May percentsun = 
| Jun sun = 240
| Jun percentsun = 
| Jul sun = 248
| Jul percentsun = 
| Aug sun = 248
| Aug percentsun = 
| Sep sun = 240
| Sep percentsun = 
| Oct sun = 217
| Oct percentsun = 
| Nov sun = 240
| Nov percentsun = 
| Dec sun = 248
| Dec percentsun = 
| year sun = 
| source 1 = climatestotravel<ref name = ctt>{{cite web
| url = https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/saint-lucia
| title = St Lucia climate
| publisher = Climates to travel
| access-date = 14 November 2018
| archive-date = 14 November 2018
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224236/https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/saint-lucia
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
| date = November 2018
| source = 
}}

== Geology ==
[[File:USGS Saint Lucia geologic map.png|thumb|[[Geological map]] of Saint Lucia.]]
[[File:Qualibou Caldera tomography.png|thumb|Topography of the Soufriere Volcanic Complex]]

The geology of St. Lucia can be described as composing three main areas. The oldest, 16–18 [[Megaannum|Ma]], [[volcanic]] rocks are exposed from Castries northward and consist of [[eroded]] [[basalt]] and [[andesite]] centres. The middle, central highlands, portion of the island consists of dissected andesite centres, 10.4 to 1 Mya, while the lower southwest portion of the island contains recent activity from the Soufriere Volcanic Centre (SVC). This SVC, centred about the [[Qualibou]] [[caldera|depression]], contains [[pyroclastic flow]] deposits, [[lava flow]]s, [[intrusive rock|domes]], [[block and ash flow]] deposits, and [[volcanic crater|explosion craters]]. This depression's perimeter includes the town of Soufriere, Mount Tabac, Mt. Gimie, Morne Bonin, and Gros Piton. At {{convert|10|km}} in diameter, though the western portion is open towards the Grenada [[basin (geology)|basin]], the depression formed as recently as 100 kya. The depression is noted for its [[geothermal gradient|geothermal activity]], especially at [[Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia|Sulphur Springs]] and [[Soufrière Estate]]s, a [[phreatic eruption]] in 1776, and recent [[seismic activity]] (2000–2001).<ref name="Lindsay">{{cite journal|last1=Lindsay|first1=Jan|last2=Trumbull|first2=Robert|last3=Schmitt|first3=Axel|last4=Stockli|first4=Daniel|last5=Shane|first5=Phil|last6=Howe|first6=Tracy|title=Volcanic stratigraphy and geochemistry of the Soufriere Volcanic Centre, Saint Lucia with implications for volcanic hazards|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|date=2013|volume=258|pages=126–142|doi=10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.04.011|bibcode=2013JVGR..258..126L}}</ref>

Eroded andesitic [[stratovolcano]]es to the north east of the depression include [[Mount Gimie|Mt. Gimie]], Piton St Esprit, and Mt. Grand Magazin, all greater than 1 Ma in age. Andesitic and [[dacite]] pyroclastic flows from these volcanoes are found at Morne Tabac dome (532 [[kiloannus|ka]]), Morne Bonin dome (273 kya), and Bellevue (264 kya). [[Avalanche]] deposits from the formation of the Qualibou depression are found offshore, and in the massive blocks of Rabot, Pleisance, and Coubaril. The dacitic domes of [[Petit Piton]] (109 kya) and [[Gros Piton]] (71 kya) were then [[extrusive rock|extruded]] onto the depression floor accompanied by the Anse John (104 kya) and La Pointe (59.8 kya) pyroclastic flows. Later, pyroclastic flows include [[pumice]]-rich Belfond and Anse Noir (20 kya). Finally, the dacitic domes of Terre Blanche (15.3 kya) and Belfond (13.6 kya) formed within the depression.<ref name=Lindsay/>

==Government==
{{Main|Politics of Saint Lucia}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| perrow            = 
| direction         = 
| total_width       = 500
| header            = Main office-holders
| footer            = 
| caption_align     = center
| image1            = {{Current Saint Lucian monarch |image}}
| width1            = 
| caption1          = The [[{{Current Saint Lucian monarch |King}} of Saint Lucia]]:<br />'''{{Current Saint Lucian monarch |Charles III}}'''<br />since<br />{{nowrap|{{Current Saint Lucian monarch |ascension}}}}
| image2            = Errol Charles Sep 2022.jpg
| width2            = 
| caption2          = The [[Governor-General of Saint Lucia]]:<br />'''[[Errol Charles]]'''<br />since<br />{{nowrap|1 November 2024}}
| image3            = Philip J Pierre Christmas 2020 (cropped).png
| width3            = 
| caption3          = The [[Prime Minister of Saint Lucia]]:<br />'''[[Philip J. Pierre]]'''<br />since<br />{{nowrap|28 July 2021}}
}}

Like most Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia is a [[unitary state]] with a [[parliamentary]] system. It is a [[Commonwealth realm]] and a [[constitutional monarchy]], with the current [[King of St. Lucia|monarch]] being {{Current Saint Lucian monarch |Charles III}}, who is represented on the island by a [[Governor-General of Saint Lucia|governor-general]], currently [[Errol Charles]]. The [[Prime Minister of Saint Lucia|prime minister]] (currently [[Philip J. Pierre]]) is the [[head of government]], the head of the [[Cabinet of Saint Lucia|cabinet]], and is normally the leader of the largest party in the [[House of Assembly of Saint Lucia|House of Assembly]]. The house has 17 seats, with each member being elected via a plurality of votes in their [[Districts of Saint Lucia#Political divisions|constituency]]. The upper chamber of [[Parliament of Saint Lucia|Parliament]] is the [[Senate of Saint Lucia|Senate]] which has 11 appointed members, the majority of which are appointed by the prime minister.

===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Districts of Saint Lucia}}
[[File:Saint Lucia, administrative divisions - fr - monochrome.svg|thumb|right|250px|The 10 Districts of Saint Lucia]]

Saint Lucia is made up of 10 districts. The districts were created and named by French colonials, and the British chose to keep the names in an anglicised form. The largest district in both size and population is [[Castries District|Castries]], where the nation's capital of [[Castries|the same name]] is located. The following are the 10 districts placed in alphabetical order:
  
*[[Anse la Raye Quarter|Anse la Raye]]
*[[Canaries Quarter|Canaries]]
*[[Castries Quarter|Castries]]
*[[Choiseul Quarter|Choiseul]]
*[[Dennery Quarter|Dennery]]
*[[Gros Islet Quarter|Gros Islet]]
*[[Laborie Quarter|Laborie]]
*[[Micoud Quarter|Micoud]]
*[[Soufrière Quarter|Soufrière]]
*[[Vieux Fort Quarter|Vieux Fort]]

===Law and crime===
{{Main|Crime in Saint Lucia}}Saint Lucia is a mixed jurisdiction,<ref>[http://www.juriglobe.ca/eng/sys-juri/class-poli/sys-mixtes.php Mixed Legal Systems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731220313/http://www.juriglobe.ca/eng/sys-juri/class-poli/sys-mixtes.php |date=31 July 2017 }}. juriglobe.ca</ref> meaning that it has a legal system based in part on both [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] and [[English common law]]. The Civil Code of St. Lucia of 1867 was based on the [[Civil Code of Lower Canada|Quebec Civil Code of 1866]], as supplemented by English common law-style legislation. The [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] was Saint Lucia's final court of appeal until 2023, when a constitutional amendment transferred this to the [[Caribbean Court of Justice]].<ref>{{cite news|title=In Saint Lucia, parliament passes constitutional amendment to replace Privy Council with Caribbean Court of Justice as final court of appeal|url=https://constitutionnet.org/news/saint-lucia-parliament-passes-constitutional-amendment-replace-privy-council-caribbean-court|access-date=20 June 2023|work=ConstitutionNet|date=2 March 2023|archive-date=20 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620095100/https://constitutionnet.org/news/saint-lucia-parliament-passes-constitutional-amendment-replace-privy-council-caribbean-court|url-status=live}}</ref>

Saint Lucia's homicide rate has hit record highs in recent years. There were 75 homicides in 2021, a 34.5% increase compared with 55 homicides in 2020. 2021 saw the island record the most homicides in its history, and also its highest murder rate in its history, at 40 murders per 100,000 people.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

===Foreign relations===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Saint Lucia}}
Saint Lucia is a member of the [[Caribbean Community]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Member States and Associate Members |url=https://caricom.org/member-states-and-associate-members/ |website=CARICOM |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208170714/https://caricom.org/member-states-and-associate-members/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The OECS Member States |url=https://www.oecs.org/en/who-we-are/member-states |website=OECS |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=en-gb |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211150847/https://oecs.org/en/who-we-are/member-states |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Organization of American States]]<ref>{{cite web |title=OAS – Organization of American States: Democracy for peace, security, and development |url=https://www.oas.org/en/about/member_states.asp |website=www.oas.org |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=en |date=1 August 2009 |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127074532/https://oas.org/en/about/member_states.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia to celebrate International Francophonie Day |url=https://www.govt.lc/news/saint-lucia-to-celebrate-international-francophonie-day |website=Saint Lucia – Access Government |publisher=National Commission for UNESCO |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212134903/https://www.govt.lc/news/saint-lucia-to-celebrate-international-francophonie-day |url-status=live }}</ref> As a [[Commonwealth Realm]], Saint Lucia has relatively friendly relations with United Kingdom and Canada. France is also a major ally, in part due to Saint Lucia's border with [[Martinique]]. The United States is the island's largest trading partner, and Saint Lucia was key to the [[US invasion of Grenada]] in 1983, and voted against condemning the invasion. Saint Lucia became the 152nd member of the [[United Nations]] on 18 September 1979.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nations |first1=United |title=Member States |url=https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states#gotoS |website=United Nations |language=en |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913235534/https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states#gotoS |url-status=live }}</ref>

Saint Lucia does not have a military although the [[Royal Saint Lucia Police Force]] has a Special Service Unit (SSU) and a Coast Guard. The island signed the UN [[Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons]] in 2018.

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Saint Lucia}}

[[File:Saint Lucia electricity production.svg|thumb|Saint Lucia electricity production by source]]

Saint Lucia is a [[Small Island Developing States|Small Island Developing State]], a designation similar to a [[developing country]] with a few substantial differences due to Saint Lucia's island nature.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sids |title=Small Island Developing States |access-date=13 March 2018 |publisher=United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Division for Sustainable Development |location=New York |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630045052/https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sids |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sids/list |title=List of Small Island Developing States |access-date=13 March 2018 |publisher=United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Division for Sustainable Development |location=New York |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728044939/https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sids/list |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[tertiary sector of the economy|service sector]] is the largest sector of the economy, accounting for 86.9% of GDP in 2020, followed by [[Industrial sector|industrial]] and agricultural sectors at 10.9% and 2.2%, respectively.<ref name="CIAStLucia">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/ |title=Saint Lucia |access-date=13 March 2018 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |work=CIA World Factbook |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212013122/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Saint Lucia has been able to attract foreign business and investment due to its educated workforce and improvements in roads, communications, water supply, sewerage, and port facilities. Like most small islands, tourism and offshore banking are Saint Lucia's main sources of revenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-saint_lucia/business/ |title=Find a business in Saint Lucia |publisher=Commonwealth of Nations |location=London |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720133556/http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-saint_lucia/business/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Agriculture, specifically the banana industry, was previously the largest sector of the economy, although its importance has declined significantly. The island's manufacturing sector has been called the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean, with goods such as plastic being produced on a large scale.

Saint Lucia's currency is the [[Eastern Caribbean Dollar]] (EC$), a regional currency shared among members of the [[Eastern Caribbean Currency Union]] (ECU). The country's main trade partners are the US, UK, EU and other [[CARICOM]] countries.

===Tourism===
{{Main|Tourism in Saint Lucia}}

[[File:At_the_top_of_Pigeon_Island.jpg|thumb|[[Gros Islet]] and [[Rodney Bay]], as seen from Pigeon Island]]
Tourism is the largest contributor to Saint Lucia's economy. Tourist numbers tend to be more substantial during the dry season (January to April), often referred to as the tourist season. Saint Lucia's tropical weather, scenery, beaches and resorts have made it a popular tourist destination, with 1.29&nbsp;million visitors arriving in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Saint Lucia's tourism industry way behind required pace' – Fedee {{!}} Loop St. Lucia |url=https://stlucia.loopnews.com/content/saint-lucias-tourism-industry-way-behind-required-pace-fedee |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Loop News |language=en}}</ref>

Some of Saint Lucia's tourist attractions include the [[Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia|Sulphur Springs]], the [[St. Lucia Botanical Gardens|Botanical Gardens]], [[Pigeon Island (Saint Lucia)|Pigeon Island]] and [[The Pitons]].

=== Agriculture ===
The agricultural sector was once the main contributor to Saint Lucia's economy. This was especially thanks to the exporting of bananas. However, its importance to the economy has declined significantly, in part due to increased competition from South American countries in the banana industry. Nevertheless, agriculture is still an important part of the country's economy, providing 7.9% of jobs and contributing to 2.2% of the GDP in 2021.

About 18% of land is used for agricultural practices.<ref name=CIA>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/|title=CIA Factobook, Saint Lucia|website=Central Intelligence Agency|access-date=22 August 2021|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212013122/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-lucia/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bananas remain the main agricultural product grown in Saint Lucia, as well as coconuts, cocoa beans, mangoes, avocados, vegetables, citrus fruits, and root crops, such as yams and sweet potatoes.

Saint Lucia also has a small livestock sector, which is dominated by poultry. The island is self-sufficient in egg production and production of poultry and pork has increased in recent years. Fishing has also been of considerable importance to the nation's economy.

=== Infrastructure ===

Saint Lucia has a wide-ranging public bus network which covers most of the island. Busses are owned by private individuals, whilst the government is responsible for setting up routes and hubs. The road network covers most of the island, although some rural areas still lack access to proper roads.

The island has two airports, including the [[Hewanorra International Airport]]. Cruising and yachting are very important to the country's economy, with the main sea port being located in [[Castries]], while the main marina is located in [[Rodney Bay]] which is also home to the [[St. Lucia Yacht Club]]. Meanwhile, the nation's main oil refinery is located in Bexon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Earth |url=https://earth.google.com/web/@13.98364245,-61.01700327,8.40590048a,2246.98073931d,35y,0h,0t,0r/data=CkoaSBJCCiUweDhjNDA2NmM1NDNjNTc5Nzk6MHhmY2VkODkzY2JiZmY3NTBiKhlCdWNrZXllIFN0Ckx1Y2lhIFRlcm1pbmFsGAIgAQ |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=earth.google.com |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209173220/https://earth.google.com/web/@13.98364245,-61.01700327,8.40590048a,2246.98073931d,35y,0h,0t,0r/data=CkoaSBJCCiUweDhjNDA2NmM1NDNjNTc5Nzk6MHhmY2VkODkzY2JiZmY3NTBiKhlCdWNrZXllIFN0Ckx1Y2lhIFRlcm1pbmFsGAIgAQ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The main source of electricity in Saint Lucia is [[crude oil|oil]] through its sole power station, the [[Cul De Sac Power Station]], although [[solar energy]] is also a major source. There have also been attempts to introduce [[geothermal energy|geothermal]] and [[wind energy|wind]] energy to the island.{{fact|date=July 2025}}

==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Saint Lucia}}

A census is normally held in Saint Lucia every 10 years. In the 2010 census, Saint Lucia reported a population of 165,595 in 58,920 households.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Saint_Lucia/SL_PreCensusRepApr11.pdf|title=2010 population and housing census|access-date=21 March 2023|work=Central Statistics Office|date=April 2011}}</ref> This was a 5.1% increase from the 157,490 recorded at the previous census in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2001-Population-and-Housing-Census-Report.pdf|title=2001 population and housing census|access-date=21 March 2023|work=Central Statistics Office|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308072218/https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2001-Population-and-Housing-Census-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Ages 0–14 made up 24.1% of the population whilst those 65 and over made up 8.6%. Nearly 40% of the island's population lived in the [[Castries District|District of Castries]], where the nation's capital of the [[Castries|same name]] is located.

Saint Lucia had a fertility rate of 1.4 children per woman in 2021, the lowest in the Americas. This is much lower than in 1990, when the birth rate was 3.4 children per woman, and significantly lower than in 1959, when the birth rate peaked at 6.98 children per woman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fertility rate: children per woman |url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-per-woman-UN |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Our World in Data |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219080818/https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-per-woman-un |url-status=live }}</ref> Most emigration from Saint Lucia is primarily to [[English-speaking world|Anglophone]] countries, with the [[United Kingdom]] having almost 10,000 Saint Lucian-born citizens, and over 30,000 of Saint Lucian heritage. The [[United States]] is home to many Saint Lucians, especially areas such as Miami and [[New York City]]. [[Canada]] is also home to many Saint Lucians, and especially the city of [[Montreal|Montréal]] in the French-speaking province of [[Quebec]]. The median age of Saint Lucians was 33.1 years in 2021.

===Ethnic groups===

Saint Lucia was originally populated by [[Amerindian]] peoples. However, European colonisation led to a significant drop in the indigenous populations. Most residents of the island were white planters, but African slaves and [[indentured servants]] brought by the Europeans eventually came to outnumber them. Because of this, Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed descent. As of 2010, 85.3% of the population are black and 10.9% are of multiracial descent. Other groups include [[Indo-Caribbean]] persons (2.2%), whites (0.6%), and Indigenous Persons (0.6%). A small number of Kalinago live in the Choiseul region and in other towns on the western coast. There is also a small population of Lebanese and Syrians.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://minorityrights.org/country/st-lucia/ |title=St Lucia - World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples |access-date=22 September 2023 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925190830/https://minorityrights.org/country/st-lucia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Languages===
The official language of Saint Lucia is [[English language|English]], though [[Saint Lucian French Creole]] (Kwéyòl) is widely spoken. Referred to colloquially as ''[[Patois]]'' ("Patwa"), it is spoken by a majority of the population. It is a dialect of [[Antillean Creole]] and is also related to [[Haitian Creole]], though it nonetheless has a number of distinctive features from the latter.<ref name="creole">{{cite web|url=http://stlucia.gov.lc/pr2005/may/kweyolphone_countries_take_stock_of_the_languages_growth.htm |title=Kweyolphone Countries Take Stock of the Language's Growth |publisher=Government of Saint Lucia |access-date=22 August 2008 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402104905/http://stlucia.gov.lc/pr2005/may/kweyolphone_countries_take_stock_of_the_languages_growth.htm |archive-date= 2 April 2012 }}</ref> The Creole language developed during the early period of French colonisation and is derived chiefly from [[French language|French]] and [[West African languages]]. There have been some attempts to make the language official, but they have not yet been successful.

===Religion===
{{Main article|Religion in Saint Lucia}}

{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Religion in Saint Lucia (2022 census)<ref name='2022 Census'/>
| label1 = [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]]
| value1 = 50.6
| color1 = Purple
| label2 = [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]]
| value2 = 10.8
| color2 = DodgerBlue
| label3 = [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]]
| value3 = 9.0
| color3 = Orange
| label4 = None
| value4 = 14.1
| color4 = Black
| label5 = Other Christians
| value5 = 5.6
| color5 = MediumSlateBlue
| label6 = [[Rastafari|Rastafarian]]
| value6 = 1.4
| color6 = Yellow
| label7 = Other religions (incl. [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]], [[Baháʼí Faith]], etc.)
| value7 = 2.6
| color7 = Grey
| label8 = Not stated
| value8 = 4.1
| color8 = Silver
}}

In the 2022 census, a majority of Saint Lucians identified as Christians. This can be traced back to the nation's colonization by French and British settlers. Due to heavy French influence, most Christians on the island are [[Roman Catholic|Catholics]], with 50.6% of the island's residents identifying as such. The remaining population identifies mostly with Protestant denominations like Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostal churches. About 1.9% of the population identified as members of the [[Rastafari movement]]. The number of residents claiming no religion stood at 14.1% in 2022 up from 5.9% in the 2011 Census.<ref name='2022 Census'>{{cite web|title = St. Lucia Provisional Census Report 2022 – Release 1Rev1|url = https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StLucia-Provisional-Census-Report-2022-Release-1Rev1.pdf|publisher = Central Statistical Office of Saint Lucia|date = 17 August 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817000000/https://stats.gov.lc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StLucia-Provisional-Census-Report-2022-Release-1Rev1.pdf |access-date = 18 April 2025
| archive-date=17 August 2024 }}</ref>

There is no state religion in Saint Lucia. The nation's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits forcing persons to take oath to any religion in which they do not follow. Religious groups are also guaranteed the freedom to establish places of education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/legislation/ConstitutionOfSaintLucia.pdf|title=Constitution of Santa Lucia|access-date=21 March 2023|website=govt.lc|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326044229/https://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/legislation/ConstitutionOfSaintLucia.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Education===
{{Further|Education in Saint Lucia}}

Most primary and secondary schools in Saint Lucia are operated by the government. Education is free and compulsory for children aged five to fifteen. This includes seven years of primary school and three to five years of secondary school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stluciateachersunion.com/simages/Saint+Lucia+Education+Act+1999.pdf|title=St Lucia Teachers' Union - stluciateachersunion.com - St Lucia, Caribbean - simages, Saint+Lucia+Education+Act+1999.pdf|website=stluciateachersunion.com|access-date=6 March 2023|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306034544/http://stluciateachersunion.com/simages/Saint+Lucia+Education+Act+1999.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In the last two years of secondary school, students are allowed to choose the subjects that they would like to do, in preparation for regional [[Caribbean Examinations Council|CSEC]] examinations. In 2020, public spending on education was at 3.6%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Total government expenditure on education |url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/total-government-expenditure-on-education-gdp |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Our World in Data |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204100808/https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/total-government-expenditure-on-education-gdp |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tertiary educational facilities on the island are normally private institutions. These include [[Monroe University]] and [[International American University − College of Medicine|International American University]]. However, there are still a few public institutions, including the [[Sir Arthur Lewis Community College]] and the [[University of the West Indies]].

===Healthcare===
{{main|Health in Saint Lucia}}

Health services in Saint Lucia are split between the government and private institutions. The island is served by 2 public hospitals and multiple health centers, although most dental and vision services are private. Public expenditure on healthcare stood at 2.1% in 2019.

In 2021, life expectancy was at 71.1 years (67.8 for men and 74.7 for women). This was compared to 73.4 years in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia data {{!}} World Health Organization |url=https://data.who.int/countries/662 |website=data.who.int |access-date=12 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212223633/https://data.who.int/countries/662 |url-status=live }}</ref> The drop in life expectancy was largely attributed to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Saint Lucia}}

The culture of Saint Lucia has been influenced by African, East Indian, French, and English heritage. The main secondary language of the island is [[Saint Lucian French Creole|Saint Lucian Creole]] (Kwéyòl), a French-based creole spoken by most of the population.<ref name="sltb-about" /><ref name="usstate-bgnote">{{cite web | url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2344.htm | quote = Languages: English (official); a French patois is common throughout the country. | title = Background Note: Saint Lucia | author = Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (U.S. Department of State) | publisher = [[United States Department of State]] | date = 12 August 2011 | access-date = 11 November 2011 | archive-date = 1 April 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050343/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2344.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> The island boasts the highest ratio of [[Nobel Prize|Nobel]] laureates produced with respect to the total population of any sovereign country in the world.{{efn|See [[List of countries by Nobel laureates per capita]] for more information.}} Two winners have come from Saint Lucia: [[William Arthur Lewis (economist)|Sir Arthur Lewis]], who won the [[Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel|Nobel Prize in Economics]] in 1979,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 1979 |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1979/summary/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Nobel Prize |language=en-US |archive-date=21 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521000903/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1979/summary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the poet [[Derek Walcott]], who received the [[Nobel Prize in Literature]] in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nobel Prize in Literature 1992 |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1992/press-release/ |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=NobelPrize.org |language=en-US |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506023706/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1992/press-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Saint Lucia has two flower festivals, the [[La Woz|La Rose]] festival, celebrated on 30 August, and the [[La Magwit|La Marguerite]] festival, celebrated on 17 October. Every summer, the island hosts a [[carnival]] as a way to present the country's culture and music. Annually, there are normally many festivals, most of them being music-related.

===Media===
{{Main|List of newspapers in Saint Lucia|Radio Caribbean International}}

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Saint Lucia}}

Saint Lucian music is heavily influenced by elements of [[African music]], especially rhythmically. The most popular music genres in Saint Lucia are [[Calypso music|calypso]], [[soca music|soca]], [[dancehall]], [[reggae]], [[Zouk (musical movement)|zouk]], and [[folk music]]. Dennery Segment, a genre influenced by Angolan Kuduro, Saint Lucian Solo music and Dancehall was developed on the island. The internationally renowned [[Saint Lucia Jazz Festival]] is held annually, and the festival is a major source of revenue for the country's economy.

===Food===
{{Main|Saint Lucian cuisine}}

Saint Lucian cuisine is a mix of African, European, Indian and Caribbean dishes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Lucia's Culinary Experiences {{!}} Saint Lucia Restaurants {{!}} Let Her Inspire You |url=https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/culinary/ |website=Saint Lucia Tourism Authority |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211124636/https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/culinary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some common dishes include [[macaroni pie]], [[brown stew chicken|stewed chicken]], [[rice and peas]], [[roti]] (Indian flatbreads) and [[soups]] made with fresh locally produced vegetables. All mainstream meat and poultry are eaten in St. Lucia; meat and seafood are normally stewed and browned to create a rich gravy sometimes served over "[[ground provisions]]" (vegetables) or rice. Johnny cakes{{clarify|date=January 2024}} (known as bakes) are also common, and are served with different side dishes, such as [[saltfish]]. The national dish of Saint Lucia is [[green fig]]s and saltfish.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Guides |first=Fodor's Travel |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fodor_s_In_Focus_Barbados_St_Lucia/V8nrAwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=national+dish+of+Saint+Lucia&pg=PT231&printsec=frontcover |title=Fodor's In Focus Barbados & St. Lucia |date=2014-12-23 |publisher=Fodor's Travel |isbn=978-0-8041-4357-8 |language=en}}</ref>

===Sports===
{{Main|Sport in Saint Lucia}}

[[File:Beausejour Stadium Cricket St Lucia.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The [[Daren Sammy Cricket Ground]] in Beausejour.]]
As with most [[Caribbean islands]], [[cricket]] is the most popular sport in Saint Lucia. The [[Windward Islands cricket team]] includes players from Saint Lucia and plays in the [[Regional Four Day Competition|West Indies regional tournament]]. [[Daren Sammy]] became the first Saint Lucian to represent the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] on his debut in 2007, and was made captain in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.windiescricket.com/node/5438 |title=Charles eager to learn from Dessie Haynes |access-date=29 July 2012 |work=Windies cricket |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208130119/http://www.windiescricket.com/node/5438 |archive-date=8 February 2013  }}</ref> The [[Saint Lucia Kings]] is a T20 franchise playing in the [[Caribbean Premier League]] based in this said island nation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Lucia Kings to be Celebrated as CPL Champions |url=https://thevoiceslu.com/2024/11/saint-lucia-kings-to-be-celebrated-as-cpl-champions/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=The Voice St Lucia|date=6 November 2024 }}</ref> Sailing is also a major sport in Saint Lucia, with the [[Atlantic Rally for Cruisers]] (ARC) race beginning in the [[Canary Islands]] and ending on the island.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-11-20 |title=Atlantic Rally For Cruisers Yachts Set Sail For Saint Lucia From Gran Canaria |url=https://stluciatimes.com/159401/2023/11/atlantic-rally-for-cruisers-yachts-set-sail-for-saint-lucia-from-gran-canaria/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=St. Lucia Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-08-26 |title=40 Years of ARC, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers |url=https://caribbeancompass.com/40-years-of-arc/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Caribbean Compass |language=en-US}}</ref> Other sports that are popular on the island include [[association football|football]], [[basketball]], [[tennis]], [[golf]] and [[volleyball]]. [[Karate]] and [[boxing]] have also seen increased popularity in recent years. 

[[Julien Alfred]] won the nation's first-ever [[Olympic medal]], when she won the [[Athletics at the 2024 Summer Olympics – Women's 100 metres|women's 100 meters event]] in 10.72 seconds at the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] held in [[Paris]], France.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/ce588vrd6mpo|title=Paris 2024 Olympics: Julien Alfred wins 100m gold for St Lucia|date=3 August 2024|website=BBC Sport|access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|North America|Caribbean}}
* [[British African-Caribbean people]]
* [[Index of Saint Lucia-related articles]]
* [[List of Caribbean islands]]
* [[List of colonial governors and administrators of Saint Lucia]]
* [[List of Saint Lucians]]
* [[Outline of Saint Lucia]]
* [[West Indies Federation]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last1=Harmsen|first1=Jolien|last2=Ellis|first2=Guy|last3=Devaux|first3=Robert|title=A History of St Lucia|date=2014|publisher=Lighthouse Road|location=Vieux Fort|isbn=9789769534001}}
* {{CIA World Factbook |article=Saint Lucia}} 
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Saint Lucia}}
* {{official website}}
* {{wikiatlas|Saint Lucia}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090217192744/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/saintlucia.htm Saint Lucia] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1210491.stm St. Lucia] from the [[BBC News]]
* [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=LC Key Development Forecasts for Saint Lucia] from [[International Futures]]
* [https://archive.stlucia.gov.lc/primeminister/index.htm Office of the Prime Minister]

{{Saint Lucia topics}}
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