"The Helen of the West", is located approximately 1,300 miles southeast of  Florida, in the Windward Islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles. The mountainous, mango shaped island covers over 238 square miles and is about 27 miles long and 14 miles at its widest. It lies 21 miles south of its nearest neighbour Martinique and 24 miles north of St. Vincent.

Official Name : Saint Lucia

Capital : Castries

Nationality : St.Lucian

St. Lucia has a mild climate, and you'll feel the constant breeze of the northeast Trade Winds. Average rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the coastal region to 160 inches in the interior rainforest. The average annual temperature is 26°C (82°F), and the rainy season is from June through November.

St. Lucia is located within the Atlantic Standard Time Zone which is 4 hours behind London (GMT) and 1 hour ahead of New York (except during the Daylight Savings months in the US when it is the same).

The population of St Lucia was estimated at 168,458 in 2006.

English is the official language of St. Lucia with a French-based Creole Patois being commonly spoken by locals.

St. Lucia, an independent nation since 1979, is a member of the British Commonwealth under a Parliamentary system with a Prime Minister as its Head of Government: Prime Minister Rt. Hon.  Stephenson King, since 2006.

Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) with a current exchange rate of approximately EC$2.67=US$1. US and other major currencies are commonly accepted for exchange at local banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are also readily accepted. Banks are generally open Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm with those in the Rodney Bay area to the north also open Saturday from 8am to noon. Automated Bank Machines (ABMs) are found at nearly all branch locations. 

BUSINESS HOURS

Banks are open 8 AM–3 PM Monday–Thursday, and 8 AM–5 PM on Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday morning from 8 AM–noon. Stores are generally open 8 AM–4:30 PM Monday–Friday, and from 8 AM–noon on Saturday. Though most stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, many will open if a cruise ship is in port.

Casual resort clothing is appropriate year-round on Saint Lucia, although a wrap or pullover may be needed on cooler winter evenings. Some of the larger restaurants require men to wear jackets and sometimes ties. Swimwear and short shorts should be reserved for the beach. Go bare-backed only on the beaches.

GETTING AROUND ST LUCIA

Taxis are popular means of getting around. Drivers are well informed and friendly and know nearly all the points of interest. In Saint Lucia, you drive on the left side of the road. Before you hire a car for the day, settle on the price.  Drivers need to purchase a local driving permit, which is issued on the presentation of a foreign or international license. Local permits are obtainable from the immigration offices at Hewanorra and Vigie Airports. However, all the major car rental agencies issue the permits. 

St. Lucia has about 500 miles of roads. All towns and villages are connected to major roads.  With substantial investments injected into road repairs,  the entire road leading round the island is in very good condition with only a small section nearing completion.

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