Saint Lucia

1498 (November 3, Wednesday): Christopher Columbus first encounters Saint Lucia during his third voyage to the Americas

1660 (January 1, Thursday): The island comes under French control, beginning a long colonial rivalry between the French and British

1814 (March 25, Friday): The British formally gain control of Saint Lucia after the Treaty of Paris

1979 (February 22, Thursday): Saint Lucia gains independence from the United Kingdom

1994 (September 10, Saturday): Hurricane Debby causes significant damage to Saint Lucia

2004 (September 1, Wednesday): Hurricane Ivan causes flooding and damage to infrastructure on the island

2010 (October 10, Sunday): Heavy rainfall and flooding cause damage across the island, with landslides in some areas

2015 (August 28, Friday): Tropical Storm Erika brings flooding and strong winds to Saint Lucia, causing damage in low-lying areas

2020 (March 16, Monday): The government enforces COVID-19 lockdown measures to control the pandemic

2021 (December 22, Tuesday): Severe flooding and landslides after heavy rains

2022 (November 16, Wednesday): Tropical Storm Lisa brings flooding, coastal erosion, and damage to infrastructure

Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Caribbean Sea, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean
Capital: Castries
Language: English
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Population: ~185,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Borders: None (island nation)
Landscape: Volcanic mountains, beaches, rainforests, coastal plains
Major Rivers: Roseau River, Castries River, Cul de Sac River
Major Mountains: The Pitons (Gros Piton, Petit Piton), Mount Gimie
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Gros Piton
Volcanoes: Soufrière Volcano, Mount Qualibou
Highest Point: Mount Gimie (950 m / 3,117 ft)
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical climate, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May
Geological Features: Volcanic origins, hot springs, and the famous Pitons

Ethnic Groups: Primarily of African descent, with smaller communities of East Indian, European, and mixed descent
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant)
Urban Population: ~25% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~8% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Scenic beauty, the Pitons, jazz music, and cultural festivals
Cuisine: Seafood, green figs, saltfish, plantains, and spices
Arts: Calypso music, jazz, traditional dance, and handicrafts
Sports: Cricket, football (soccer), athletics, and sailing

Economy Type: Developing, with tourism, agriculture, and services as major contributors
GDP: Approx. $2.1 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (bananas, cocoa), manufacturing
Key Exports: Bananas, cocoa, flowers, and sugar
Unemployment Rate: ~18.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Mainly service-based economy driven by tourism, with some focus on agriculture

Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President of Saint Lucia (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Assembly and Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1979

The Pitons: UNESCO World Heritage site, iconic twin volcanic spires
Soufrière: Hot springs, volcanic crater, and sulfur springs
Pigeon Island National Park: Historic site with scenic views and hiking trails
Anse Chastanet: Famous for its coral reefs and marine life
Castries: Market Square, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and local art galleries