Saint Lucia: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a mountainous volcanic island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, between Martinique and Saint Vincent. It has rainforests, waterfalls, coral reefs and the famous twin peaks called the Pitons. The island is known for its beaches, hot springs and friendly mix of English and Kwéyòl (French Creole) culture.

About Castries

Castries lies around a deep, sheltered harbour on the island's northwest coast and is a busy port of call for cruise ships. It is known for its lively Castries Market and Derek Walcott Square, named after the island's Nobel Prize-winning poet.

Fun facts about Saint Lucia

1. The country is named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, and its National Day falls on her feast day, 13 December.
2. The twin volcanic Pitons rise straight from the sea to about 770 and 743 metres and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Sulphur Springs near Soufrière are called a 'drive-in volcano' because visitors can drive right up to the steaming vents.
4. Two Nobel Prize winners were born in Saint Lucia: economist Sir Arthur Lewis and poet Derek Walcott.
5. The colourful Saint Lucia parrot, the national bird, lives nowhere else on Earth.
6. The triangles on Saint Lucia's blue flag represent the island's famous twin Pitons.