St. Lucia: Almanac

Official Names: Saint Lucia.
Capitals: Castries.
Population: 164,213.
Total Area: 238 sq miles / 616.3 sq km.
Languages: English and local French patois.
Climate: Tropical climate tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year.
Economy: The economy still relies heavily on agriculture (the main exports are bananas, coconuts and cocoa), tourism is an increasingly important source of income, and the pursuit of a more diverse economic base has continued apace during the 1990s.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor General.
Religions: 80% Roman Catholic, also Anglican, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist and Baptist.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. US Dollars are also accepted as legal tender.
Time Zone: Atlantic; 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Telecommunications: Good. Country code is 758.
Press: The main newspapers are The Voice of St Lucia, The Star, The Mirror and The Crusader.
Electricity: 220 V, 50Hz.