Surprising Facts and History About St. Lucia

Tap to Read ➤ Abhishek Velankar

St. Lucia is an island nation in the Caribbean. The first confirmed inhabitants of the island were the Arawaks before the island was conquered by the Caribs who waged war on the Arawaks. The Caribs called the island Hewanorra.

With the arrival of the Europeans in the Americas, St. Lucia too was colonized. The island became a major struggle between the French and the British, changing hands 14 times between them before finally becoming a British Colony in 1814.

St. Lucia achieved independence in 1979. Like many former British colonies Australia and Canada, Queen Elizabeth II is still the ceremonial queen of St. Lucia.

St. Lucia is one of only two countries named after a woman along with Ireland. However, Ireland was named after a mythological woman while St. Lucia was named after a real woman called St. Lucy. So, St. Lucia is the only country named after a real woman.

The official language of St. Lucia is English even though about 20% of the populace not understanding the language. Most people here use Lucian French Creole.

St. Lucia purports to have the only 'Drive-in Volcano' in the world. Visitors can drive up to an active volcano and see the Sulfur Springs and take mud baths.

The Pitons, two volcanic mountains connected by a ridge are the defining geographical characteristic of the Island. The pitons are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Piton beer named after the mountains, is brewed exclusively in St. Lucia.

St. Lucia Parrot or Jacquot is indigenous to the island and is the national bird of St. Lucia.

St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is one of the major events on the island. Previous performers here include Elton John, Amy Winehouse and Mary J. Blige.

Sir Arthur Lewis, a native of St. Lucia became the first black man to win a Nobel prize other than the peace prize. He won the Nobel for economics in 1979.