Saint Lucia is an island nation part of the Lesser Antilles, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is located north of the Islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. Saint Lucia is a volcanic island and more mountainous than most of the Caribbean islands. Saint Lucia is one of the few islands in the world that has a drive-in volcano. The highest point on the island is Mount Gimie, at 950 meters above sea level. The Pitons mountains form the islands most famous landmark, due to the fact they are volcanic plugs in a World Heritage Site. One third of the population lives in the capital city of Castries. The climate is tropical with some northeast trade winds.

 

Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth Realm with Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State, represented on the island by a Governor- General. The Prime minister and his cabinet, however, hold the executive power. The Parliament is bicameral, containing the House of Assembly and the Senate. The House of Assembly has 17 seats and the prime minister is the head of the party winning the elections. The Senate has 11 appointed members. Saint Lucia is a member of the Caribbean Community and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. The official languages of Saint Lucia are French Patois, English, and Spanish.

 

Saint Lucia's culture has been influence by African, French and English heritage and is rich in history. Due to Saint Lucia's tropical weather, amazing scenery and numerous beaches and resort, tourism has greatly increased In this country, making tourism vital to its economy. Most visitors will usually arrive by cruise ship and spend a majority of their time in Castries, the capitol of the island. St. Lucia has also become a very popular wedding location, with 3,500 weddings taking place in 2006.