St. Lucia is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea that is located on the boundary of the Atlantic Ocean. St. Lucia is part of the Lesser Antilles and is located north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The capital of St. Lucia is Castries, which also happens to be the largest city on the island.

St. Lucia Early History

St. Lucia was probably first visited by Europeans around 1500. The first successful colony to be established on the island occurred in 1635 by the French, who also signed a treaty with the aboriginal population that were native to the land. England was able to seize power of the land shortly after the French signed the initial treaty with the native population.

England held control of the island from 1663 to 1667, when France finally regained control of the land. The island changed hands several more times between the two nations until it was finally ceded to the British in 1814. Like many islands in the Caribbean Sea, when they were first discovered, any country that was able to put up a fight in the region wanted their piece of land. This led to many conflicts and battles over St. Lucia and other Caribbean islands.

Although the British ended up with control in the end, they did not get every single island that they fought for, it would have been nearly impossible and would have strained the country past its limits.

St. Lucia 20th Century

Representative government was introduced to St. Lucia in 1924 and from 1958 to 1962, St. Lucia was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. In 1967, it became a member of the West Indies Associated States with full internal self-government. Like many other British overseas territories, St. Lucia gained full independence from Great Britain in 1979 and became a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

St. Lucia Political Scene

The political scene in St. Lucia is very similar to that of other British overseas territories in the Caribbean Sea. St. Lucia is considered to be a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The Queen of England is the monarch and head of state. Since the Queen is obviously unable to reside in St. Lucia due to her commitments in the United Kingdom, a governor general is appointed to act on her behalf.

These three individuals, the Queen, governor general and the Prime Minister and his appointed cabinet, create the executive branch of government, which is the highest government authority in the country.

St. Lucia Politics Today

The political scene in St. Lucia remains very stable today, thanks in part to being a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and having a committed government. Like most British overseas territories, the relationship between St. Lucia and the United Kingdom is very warm and friendly with the possibility of a break-up becoming highly unlikely. Like most countries in the Caribbean area, the majority of St. Lucia's economy is dependent on tourism.

St. Lucia is a highly respected nation within the British Commonwealth of Nations, therefore they usually receive distinguished and wealthy tourists. In addition to being affiliated with Great Britain, St. Lucia is also a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market and home to the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States.