Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia changed hands between Britain and France fourteen times during the colonial era, a record of contested sovereignty that left a lasting mark on the island's culture. Though English is the official language, Saint Lucian Creole French — a French-based creole — is widely spoken in everyday life. Catholic traditions, French place names, and creole cuisine coexist with British institutions and a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy.

The island's economy is dominated by tourism, with the spectacular landscape — volcanic mountains, rainforest, sulphur springs, and white-sand beaches — the primary draw. Saint Lucia has also produced two Nobel laureates — economist Sir Arthur Lewis and poet Derek Walcott — a remarkable achievement for such a small island and a source of enormous national pride. The annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival draws international performers and audiences to the island each May.