St. Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands, 110 miles north west of Barbados and with Martinique visible to the north and St Vincent similarly to the south.

The island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide with an area of 238 square miles (616 sq km).

Volcanic in origin, the landscape is mountainous with lush tropical rain forests, fertile valleys and white sandy beaches.

It has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 70° – 90° Fahrenheit (21° – 32° Centigrade) all year round.

St. Lucia became self-governing in 1967 and fully independent on 22nd February 1979. National Day is 13th December.

Renowned for it's cuisine, St. Lucia is famous for callaloo soup made from a spinach-like vegetable, creole and pepperpot dishes.

The official language is English and there is a French-based creole patois that is widely spoken.

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The US Dollar is widely accepted as are major credit cards.

More information on St. Lucia can be found on the Offical St. Lucia Tourist Board site.