Eastern Caribbean, Windward Islands.

GMT - 4.

616.3 sq km (238 sq miles).

152,000 (UN, 2005).

246.63 km.

Castries. Population: 67,000 (official estimate 2004).

St Lucia is the second-largest of the Windward Islands. It has some of the finest mountain scenery in the West Indies, rich with tropical vegetation. For such a small island, 43km (27 miles) by 23km (14 miles), St Lucia has a great variety of plant and animal life. Orchids and exotic plants of the genus anthurium grow wild in the rainforests and the roadsides are covered with many colourful tropical flowers. Flamboyant trees spread shade and blossom everywhere. Indigenous wildlife includes a species of ground lizard unique to St Lucia, and the agouti and the manicou, two rodents, common throughout the island. The Amazona versicolor parrot is another, though more elusive, inhabitant of the deep interior rainforest. The highest peak is Mount Gimie at 950m (3117ft). Most spectacular are Gros Piton and Petit Piton, ancient, volcanic forest-covered cones which rise out of the sea on the west coast. Soufri (vents in a volcano which exude hydrogen sulphide, steam and other gases) and boiling waterpools can be seen here. The mountains are intersected by short rivers which in some areas form broad fertile valleys. The island has excellent beaches and is surrounded by a clear, warm sea.

Under the independence constitution, the Head of State is the British Monarch, represented by a Governor-General. Legislation is the responsibility of the 17-member House of Assembly, which is directly elected by universal adult suffrage for a 5-year term, and the 11-member Senate, composed of appointees of the Prime Minister (six nominations), the leader of the main opposition party (three nominations) and the Governor-General (two nominations).

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor General Calliopa Pearlette Louisy since 1997. Head of Government: Prime Minister Kenny Davis Anthony since 1997. Recent history: Under the independence constitution, the Head of State is the British Monarch, represented by a Governor-General. Legislation is the responsibility of the 17-member House of Assembly, which is directly elected by universal adult suffrage for a 5-year term, and the 11-member Senate, composed of appointees of the Prime Minister (six nominations), the leader of the main opposition party (three nominations) and the Governor-General (two nominations). Kenny Anthony won a second term as Prime Minister in December 2001, the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) gaining 14 of the 17 contested seats. The remaining seats were taken by the former ruling United Workers Party. His Government's biggest challenges are rising crime levels and high unemployment.

English and local French patois.

78 per cent Roman Catholic; also Anglican, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist and Baptist.

Some French influences still remain alongside the West Indian style of life. The people are friendly and hospitable, and encourage visitors to relax and enjoy their leisurely lifestyle. The madras and foulards are not often seen in towns, but are sometimes worn at festivals such as the Feast of St Rose of Lima in August. Casual wear is acceptable, although some hotels and restaurants encourage guests to dress for dinner. Beachwear should not be worn in towns. It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.