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St Lucia lies at latitude 13 54’ north of the Equator and 60 50’ west. One
of the Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern
Caribbean chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique
and 90 miles northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the
island’s capital and is situated North-west of the island.
Language
The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also
speak French and Spanish. Kwéyňl. The language is being preserved by its everyday
use in day-to-day affairs and by special radio programmes and news read
entirely in Kwéyňl.
Physical
Characteristics
The island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with
a combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A
central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging
between 1000 and 3145 feet.
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. Average rainfall is between 160-360cm depending on
altitude.
Population
Currently estimated at 150,000 with a workforce of about 65,000. |
