This is an utterly enchanting almond - shaped island that is located approximately 1,300 miles southeast of Florida, in the Lesser Antilles. With the sunny blue and endless beaches and the lush greenery, you can take refuge from the hassles of everyday life. Along with dozing in the sun, you can enjoy a number of St. Lucia’s treats. Witness the natural splendor of the rainforest and breathtaking views of the Les Pitons, whose peaks soar 2,000 feet above the cobalt blue waters. Explore Soufriere, the oldest town in St. Lucia, which is nestled beneath the Pitons. Visit the Sulphur Springs, the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. Don’t forget the mineral baths and waterfalls, botanical gardens and centuries old banana and cocoa plantations. Other sights include Castries, the capital and the historic towns, fishing villages and beaches along the picturesque coastline.

St. Lucia, “The Helen of the West," is 238 square miles long and its nearest neighbor, the French island of Martinique, is just 21 miles away. St. Lucia is 24 miles north of St. Vincent and 100 miles northeast of Barbados. St. Lucia is part of the British Commonwealth since 1814 and has been an independent nation since 1979. The island changed hands between the French and British 14 times. Castries, the capital, is the main port and largest city on the island. The city was devastated by four fires between 1796 and 1948 and was rebuilt making it one of the most modern capitals in the Caribbean. Castries has many landmarks and colonial buildings, including the Derek Walcott Square - the old center of town.

Name: Saint Lucia (pronounced - Saint Loo-sha)

Size: 238 square miles long - 27 miles long, 14 miles wide

Population: Approximately 160,000

Head of State: Government General Dame Pearlette Louisy

Head of Government: Prime Minister Kenny D. Anthony

National Flag: Light Blue, Black, White and Gold

The light blue represents the sky and ocean. The black & white represents the people living in harmony. Gold represents the Caribbean sunshine. The triangles represent the Pitons.

Language: English & Kweyol, the patois word for Creólë.

Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) equals the following  $2.67 USD and $3.41 EUR.

Highest Point: Morne Gimie is the tallest mountain on the island = 3118 ft. high

Highest Point of View: Morne Fortune, Castries - 900 ft. above sea level

Beaches: Pigeon Island, Reduit Beach- Rodney Bay, Choc Bay, Marigot Bay and Anse Chastanet Beach (Black Sand).

Sights: Rodney Bay, Castries, Marigot Bay, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Dennery, Soufriere,
Nature Reserves and Morne Coubaril Estate.

Landmarks: Pigeon Island National Park - Forts, Ruins (Arawak artifacts) and Caves, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square and Vigie Lighthouse,
Fond Dor Nature Reserve & Historical Park, Petit Piton (rises 2438 ft. above sea level) and Gros Piton (rises 2618ft. above sea level), the Sulphur Springs - drive-in volcano.

Anchorages: Rodney Bay, Castries Harbour, Marigot Harbour, Soufriere and Vieux Fort.

Activities: Castries Market, Plantation Visits, Roseau Sugar Mill, Rum Factory, Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfalls, Tourille Waterfall and Tropical Garden.

Duty-Free Shopping: La Place Carenage and Pointe Seraphine Shopping Center

Hiking: Rainforest Walks, Fort Rodney Bay, Descartiers Trail - Soufriere, Gros Piton and the Barre Del’isle Trail.

Nightlife: Friday Seafood - Anse La Raye, Saturday Fish Fry -Dennery, Friday Street Party - Gros Islet, Rodney Bay