Background:
The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

NOTE: The information regarding Saint Lucia on this page is re-published from the 2004 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Saint Lucia Introduction 2004 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Saint Lucia Introduction 2004 should be addressed to the CIA.