Located in the Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia
is one of the Windward Islands which are part of the West
Indies. The island is 44 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide,
covering an area of approximately 616 square kilometres. St.
Lucia's climate is tropical, although moderated by north east
trade winds. The dry season extends from January to April, with
a rainy season from May to August. The island is mainly volcanic
and mountainous, however there are broad, fertile valleys in
places. The island has a population of 157,862, approximately
one third of whom live in the capital city of Castries. Other
towns include Gros Islet, Soufrière and Vieux Fort. St. Lucia
gained independence from Britain in 1979. The official language
in St. Lucia is English although a French-based patois is
commonly spoken. The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean
dollar ($4EC=£1UK). Vincent Bunce Memorial Resource Centre We
have prepared a number of materials for use in the classroom.
The Fast Facts, Lesson Plan