Best Bitcoin Card for Saint Lucia
The island Saint Lucia (unofficially also: St. Lucia) is the second largest of the Winward Islands (Lesser Antilles) and lies south of Martinique and north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. The state area covers about 616 km², the island is 44 km long and up to 23 km wide.
Saint Lucia is of volcanic origin, as evidenced by numerous sulphur springs (especially near Soufrière). The island is characterized by a mountain range that runs from north to south and reaches heights of up to 958 m (Mount Gimie). The mountain landscape is crossed by numerous small rivers, whereby the valleys in the geologically older north run wider. In the extreme south, a plain with some low hills joins the highlands. The coast is bay-rich with white sandy beaches and on the east coast facing the wind more rugged than in the west.
The two volcanic cones Gros Piton (798 m) and Petit Piton (736 m) in the southwest, which rise steeply from the sea and were formed by a volcanic eruption, are regarded as landmarks of the island. The capital Castries is located in the northwest of Saint Lucia.
Political System
According to the 1979 Constitution, Saint Lucia is a parliamentary monarchy within the framework of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Head of state is the British monarch Elisabeth II, who is represented on the island by a governor general (Calliopa Pearlette Louisy since September 1997). The Governor General appoints the Prime Minister as the head of government of the country, who is normally the leader of the strongest party in parliament (Kenny Anthony since November 2011).
The legislature lies with the Parliament, which consists of two chambers: the House of Assembly with 18 deputies elected by the people for a five-year term (one seat ex officio), and the Senate with eleven members appointed by the Governor General. The two relevant political parties in Saint Lucia are the conservative United Workers Party (UWP) and the left-wing Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). The island state is divided into ten districts (quarters).
Economy
The economy of the island state of Saint Lucia is based on the export of bananas and tourism, which has become the most important sector. In recent years, it has also succeeded in attracting international companies from the financial sector as investors. The service sector is becoming increasingly important and already accounts for 81% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Agriculture now accounts for only 4% of GDP. Bananas and coconut palms are grown for export, as well as mangos, citrus fruits, cocoa and spices. The population’s own needs cannot be met and food must be imported.
Industry accounts for 15% of GDP. Food processing companies dominate (e.g. rum and coconut oil are produced), textiles, cardboard boxes and plastic parts are also produced.
The most important trading partners for exports (bananas, textiles, cocoa, coconut oil) are Great Britain and the USA, for imports (machinery, vehicles, food, chemical products) the USA as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
Saint Lucia has two airports. The total road network is about 1 200 km, of which only a fraction is developed. Castries and Vieux Fort are the main ports in the country. Currency is the East Caribbean dollar (= 100 cents).