General InformationSt. Lucia is a North American island in the Caribbean Sea, located between Martinique and St. Vincent. The capital is Castries. St. Lucia was named after St. Lucy of Syracuse by the French, the island's first European settlers. The country motto of St. Lucia is "The Land, the People, the Light".
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History of St. Lucia
Around 1600, the first European camp was started by the Dutch at what is now Vieux Fort. In 1605, an English vessel was blown off-course, leaving 67 colonists to start a settlement on St. Lucia. After only five weeks, a mere nineteen colonists had survived due to disease and conflict with the Caribs. The remaining colonists eventually fled the island. in 1653, the French officially claimed the island. In 1639, the English attempted the next European settlement; however, they, too, were wiped out by Caribs. In 1664, Thomas Warner claimed St. Lucia for England. He brought 1,000 men to defend the country from the French; however, many of the men died due to disease. In 1666 the French West India Company resumed control of the island. In 1674, St. Lucia was made an official French crown colony.
During the Seven Years' War, Britain occupied St. Lucia for a year; however, the island was given back to the French at the Treaty of Paris in 1763. In 1765, the French began to develop the land for the cultivation of sugar cane on large plantations as a commodity crop.
In 1803, the British regained control of St. Lucia. The British ended the import of slaves when they abolished the slave trade in 1807. In 1836, the institution of slavery was abolished on the island of St. Lucia. St. Lucia continued to be contested by France and Britain until 1814. At this time, the British secured it as part of the Treaty of Paris.
In 1967, St. Lucia became one of the six members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979, it gained full independence under Sir John Compton, who served as prime minister. A number of prime ministers have been elected and served since that time. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has been serving, for the third time, as prime minister since November 2011.
During the Seven Years' War, Britain occupied St. Lucia for a year; however, the island was given back to the French at the Treaty of Paris in 1763. In 1765, the French began to develop the land for the cultivation of sugar cane on large plantations as a commodity crop.
In 1803, the British regained control of St. Lucia. The British ended the import of slaves when they abolished the slave trade in 1807. In 1836, the institution of slavery was abolished on the island of St. Lucia. St. Lucia continued to be contested by France and Britain until 1814. At this time, the British secured it as part of the Treaty of Paris.
In 1967, St. Lucia became one of the six members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979, it gained full independence under Sir John Compton, who served as prime minister. A number of prime ministers have been elected and served since that time. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has been serving, for the third time, as prime minister since November 2011.
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Ethnic Groups
The population of 174,000 (in 2010) is evenly divided between urban and rural areas. The capital, Castries, contains more than one-third of the population. Religion About 70% of the population is Roman Catholic, influenced from the days of French Catholic colonization and evangelization. Of the remaining population, most belong to other Christian denominations. |
The culture of Saint Lucia has been influenced by African, East Indian, French and English heritage.
Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite. La Rose represents a native St. Lucian fraternal society known as the Order of the Rose. La Marguerite represents its traditional rival, the native St. Lucian equivalent of Freemasonry known as the Order of the Marguerite. The biggest festival of the year is the St. Lucia Jazz Festival. Held in early May at multiple venues throughout the island, it draws visitors and musicians from around the world. The festival encompasses culture, visual art, alternative music, education, fashion, and food. In May 2009, Saint Lucians commemorated the 150th Anniversary of West Indian Heritage on the island. Popular St. Lucian music genres include typical Caribbean music genres sucha s Calypso, Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Compas, Zouk, and Salsa. However, it also has a strong indigenous folk music tradition. The dancing in Saint Lucia comes from the Caribbean. A popular folk dance is the Kwadril. While I am in St. Lucia, they will be celebrating their Independence Day. This takes place on February 22. |