There is no indication that Christopher Columbus ever stopped in Saint Lucia, and the first European known to have done so is François Le Clerc, alias Jamb de Bois (or "Peg-leg"), a pirate who set up his home port in Pigeon Island from where he attacked spanish ships.

In the 15th century the island was known under the name of Saint Alousia. In 1605 the English set foot on the island and it became the stake of fierce fighting, changing hands 14 times until it was finally handed over to the English in 1814. During these 152 years of turmoil, the island was occupied by the French during 137 years and by the English only 15 years.

Geography

The pear-shaped island is dominated by a central mountain ridge 915 meters high. It is covered by tropical rainforsest and bannana and coconut plantations. The two sugarloaf-shaped Piton mountains on its west coast are so striking as to have become the country's emblem.

Status
Independant state since 22 February 1979, member of the Commonwealth.
Capital : Castries

Languages
English and créole.

Inhabitants
150.000 St Lucians