Saint Lucia is an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean Sea with a fantastic story and countless tourist attractions. It welcomes millions of tourists seeking its pristine habitats, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts every year. If you plan a trip there, you should know these quick facts about St. Lucia.
It’s worth noting that St. Lucia is also one of the Caribbean countries happiest to embrace new technology. For instance, it already uses high-transfer fiber optic and electronic payment systems like infapayments.com. But enough with the chit-chat. Let’s dive into the island’s most exciting stories!
St. Lucia is the first country to have a woman’s name
The old world first found out about the present-day St. Lucia Island in the 16th century. Its first colonizers were the French, who wished to name the island after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, the Patron Saint of blindness and throat infections. Apparently, they chose the name because they were shipwrecked on the island on 13 December 1664, the feast day of St. Lucy.
The island gained its independence less than 50 years ago
St. Lucia changed its colonial nation parent no less than seven times for almost three centuries. During this period, the French and English fought heavily to control this strategic point in Transocean commerce. Finally, in the 19th century, the United Kingdom kept control of the island until 1979, when St. Lucia gained its independence. Nevertheless, the island remains, until today, a member of the British Commonwealth.
St Lucia has a unique species of parrots
If you are passionate about exotic birds, you must visit St. Lucia. Jacquot or St Lucia Parrot is a unique parrot species that lives solely on this island. So, don’t forget to bring your binoculars when traveling to this exotic country.
St Lucia’s Piton Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site
Mountain lovers cannot get enough trekking in the Piton Mountains in St. Lucia. The island features some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the Caribbean. And because it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is pristine, clean, and optimal for exploring natural habitats. Furthermore, St. Lucia is almost entirely covered with rainforest. So, you have a good chance of seeing rare species of animals and birds firsthand.
St. Lucia has the world’s only “drive-in” volcano
Like many islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia formed hundreds of millions of years ago through volcanic activity. Today, the island boasts gorgeous, mostly-green landscapes. However, volcanic activity has not ceased. On the contrary, the island features many volcanic pools. It is the only volcano in the world where you can drive straight into the crater. Fortunately, the lava in it cooled millennia ago.
An excellent destination for rum lovers
St. Lucia is home to hundreds of rum distilleries producing no less than 21 different types of the pirates’ favorite drink. The rich rum culture is due to the island’s long history of growing bananas and sugar cane, essential ingredients in sweet, delicious beverages.