Weather
Tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August.
Terrain
Volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys.
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Languages
English (official), French patois
Religion
Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 3%, other Protestant 7%
Ethnic groups
black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%
History
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.
|
