Saint Lucia
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Kwéyòl
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Saint Lucia changed hands between France and Britain 14 times, earning the name Helen of the West Indies. It became independent in 1979.
Culture
Saint Lucia has produced two Nobel laureates, the poet Derek Walcott and the economist Sir Arthur Lewis. The Gros Islet Friday street party and the Jounen Kwéyòl creole day are local institutions.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Saint Lucian Kwéyòl, a French-based creole, is spoken by most people.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at about 2.70 to the US dollar.
Popular Attractions
The twin volcanic peaks of the Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors bathe in the Sulphur Springs, hike the rainforest and relax in Marigot Bay.
Food
Green fig (green banana) and saltfish is the national dish. Accra (saltfish fritters), bouyon and cocoa tea are favourites.
Places to Visit
Soufrière and the Pitons, Castries, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Marigot Bay and Pigeon Island.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres