Over the next century St. Lucia settled into the stable democracy and multicultural society that it is today. The country remained under the British crown until it became independent within the British Commonwealth in 1979. Despite the length of British rule, the island's French cultural legacy is still evident in its Creole dialect.

One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, St Lucia is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado. The Atlantic Ocean is alongside its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast face Caribbean Sea. On the island however, the rainforest is broken only by fields and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees. Of volcanic origin, Saint Luci

The highlight of February is preparations for Carnival, a gala event with activities held throughout St. Lucia. Various camps are set up for the production of costumes for the many shows and street parades. Under the guidance of designers and band leaders, individual and group costumes are created for band members.

Arawaks and the Caribs were among the first to bring their culture to St. Lucia. They were expert hunters, farmers, fishermen, and skilled artists. Their primary crops were cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes. The Amerindians were decimated by the arrival of the Europeans, and only a small number of St. Lucians can still trace their roots back to this group. Some of the few particular aspects of Amerindian culture that survive include farina and cassava bread, fish-pots and other local craft items. Some villages still practice the ancient art of fishing in dug-out canoes.

Saint Lucia has a total population of 162,157. Most of the population is black and English is the official language, however a French patois is widely spoken. The capital and largest city is Castries with an estimated population of 57,000); it is also the principal port and has an excellent harbor. St. Lucia has been inhabited since long before colonial times, and the island's people have earned a well-deserved reputation for their warmth and charm. St. Lucia's culture has evolved from the many different groups of people who have participated in its history. Each has brought different beliefs and traditions, all of which are reflected in the life of the island today.

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