Moving to Saint Lucia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

166,487

Population Growth Rate

0.36%

Urban Population

17.500000

Population in Major Urban Areas

CASTRIES (capital) 21,000

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Age Structure

20.350000

Median Age

32.200000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

14

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.21

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.78

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.060000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-3.34

Ethnic Groups

black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%

Nationality Noun

Saint Lucian(s)

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Literacy - total population

90.1%

Literacy - male

89.5%

Literacy - female

90.6%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over has ever attended school

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.1%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

12.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

77.220000

Infant Mortality Rate

12.070000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

12.070000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

35

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.47

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.6

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.2%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

21.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.600000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

70.400000

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Economic Overview

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries.

Tourism is Saint Lucia's main source of jobs and income - accounting for 65% of GDP - and the island's main source of foreign exchange earnings.

The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area.

Crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, but St.

Lucia's once solid banana industry has been devastated by strong competition.

Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a variety of external shocks, including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil.

Furthermore, high public debt - 77% of GDP in 2012 - and high debt servicing obligations constrain the CHASTANET administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks.

St.

Lucia has experienced anemic growth since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, largely because of a slowdown in tourism - airlines cut back on their routes to St.

Lucia in 2012.

Also, St.

Lucia introduced a value added tax in 2012 of 15%, becoming the last country in the Eastern Caribbean to do so.

In 2013, the government introduced a National Competitiveness and Productivity Council to address St.

Lucia's high public wages and lack of productivity.

Industries

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$12,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$2,250,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$12,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,438,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 52.4% government
• consumption: 19.3% investment in fixed
• capital: 32.1% investment in
• inventories: 0.1% exports of goods and
• services: 51.7% imports of goods and
• services: -55.6%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

2.7%

GDP by Sector- Industry

15.3%

GDP by Sector- services

82.1%

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Inflation Rate

1.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency Name and Code

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Fiscal Year

1 April - 31 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

9.3%

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Labor Force

79,700

Unemployment Rate

20%

Major Industries

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing

Agriculture Products

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

21.7%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

24.7%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

53.6%

Annual Budget

$230,900,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.7%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

13.4%

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Full Country Name

none

Country Name

Saint Lucia note: pronounced saynt-looshuh

Etymology- history of name

named after Saint LUCY of Syracuse by French sailors who were shipwrecked on the island on 13 December 1502, the saint's feast day; Saint Lucia is the only country named specifically after a woman

Independence

22 February 1979 (from the UK)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

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Government Type

parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Constitution

• history: previous 1958, 1960 (preindependence); latest presented 20 December 1978, effective 22 February 1979
• amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Assembly membership in the final reading and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to various constitutional sections, such as those on fundamental rights and freedoms, government finances, the judiciary, and procedures for amending the constitution, require at least three-quarters majority vote by the House and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments approved by the House but rejected by the Senate require a majority of votes cast in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2008

Legal System:

English common law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Acting Governor General Errol CHARLES (since 11 November 2021)
• head of government: Prime Minister Philip J. PIERRE (since 28 July 2021)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by governor general

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Houses of Parliament consists of: Senate (11 seats; all members appointed by the governor general; 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 2 upon consultation with religious, economic, and social groups; members serve 5-year terms) House of Assembly (18 seats; 17 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and the speaker, designated from outside the Parliament; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: Senate - last appointments on 17 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026) House of Assembly - last held on 26 July 2021 (next to be held in 2026)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA;
• Composition: men 6, women 5, percent of women 45.5% House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - SLP 50.1%, UWP 42.9%, other o.3%, independent 6.6%; seats by party - SLP 13, UWP 2, independent 2; composition (including the speaker) - men 16, women 2, percent of women 11.1%;
• Note: total Parliament percent of women 24.1%

Judicial Branch:

• office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by Her Majesty, Queen ELIZABETH II; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
• subordinate courts: magistrate's court

Regions or States:

10 districts; Anse-la-Raye, Canaries, Castries, Choiseul, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Philip J. PIERRE]
• United Workers Party or UWP [Allen M. CHASTANET]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: yes citizenship by
• descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Saint Lucia dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 8 years

Capital Name

Castries

Capital - geographic coordinate

14 00 N, 61 00 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AOSIS
• Caricom
• CD
• CDB
• CELAC
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• ISO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OAS
• OECS
• OIF
• OPANAL
• OPCW
• Petrocaribe
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Elizabeth DARIUS-CLARKE (since 7 June 2022)
• Chancery: 1629 K Street NW, Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20006
• Telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792
• FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723
• Email: embassydc@gosl.gov.lc
• Website: https://www.embassyofstlucia.org/
• Consulate(s) General: New York

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Geographic Location

The Caribbean

Geographic Coordinates

13 53 N, 60 58 W

Total Area

238 Square Miles 616 Square Kilometers

Land Area

234 Square Miles 606 Square Kilometers

Water Area

4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers

Coastline

98 Miles 158 Kilometers

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Terrain

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Highest Point

950 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mount Gimie 950 m

Lowest Point Location

Caribbean Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential

Irrigated Land

12 Square Miles 30 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

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

Location

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Total Area

238 Square Miles 616 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$288,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$791,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Major Imports

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Top Export Partners

UK 48.5%, US 27.3%, Barbados 7.6%

Top Import Partners

Brazil 46.1%, US 18.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 10.3%

Export Partners

UK 48.5%, US 27.3%, Barbados 7.6%

Import Partners

Brazil 46.1%, US 18.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 10.3%

Country Description

St. Lucia is an English-speaking, developing Caribbean island nation. Tourist facilities are widely available.

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Crime

Crime, including armed robbery, does occur and is rising in St.

Lucia.

Violent crime, including gun violence and targeted homicides, is often connected to narcotics trafficking.

Petty crime also occurs, with tourists being targeted often.

Efforts by the St.

Lucian authorities to improve public safety on the island are ongoing.

Visitors should inquire about their hotel's security arrangements before making reservations.

Valuables left unattended on beaches and in rental cars are vulnerable to theft.

Visitors should use caution, especially at night and in less frequented areas.

Take some time before travel to learn how to improve your personal security-things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.

Here are some useful tips for personal security.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in St.

Lucia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in St.

Lucia, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.

Persons violating St.

Lucian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in St.

Lucia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

IF ARRESTED: If you are arrested in St.

Lucia, authorities of St.

Lucia are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

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Medical Facilities

There are two public hospitals and one private hospital in St.

Lucia.

Victoria Hospital, Castries - Tel No.

(758) 452-2421 - is the main hospital.

St.

Jude's Hospital, George Odlum Stadium, Vieux Fort - Tel No.

(758) 454-6041 is the second public hospital.

The original St.

Jude's Hospital in Vieux Fort was destroyed by fire on September 9, 2009.

What started as a temporary facility operating out of the George Odlum Stadium is now operating as a fully functional hospital with two operating rooms, an ER Department, as well as a Medical, Paediatric and a Surgical Ward.

There is also an ICU Unit and an Out Patient's Clinic.

Tapion Hospital, La Toc Road, Castries is the private hospital - Tel No.

(758) 459-2000.

A new hyperbaric chamber capable of treating 6 patients is now in operation at this facility.

They are certified personnel in the hyperbaric field who operate the chamber.

The Chamber is undergoing the accreditation process by DAN (Divers Alert Network) and continues to be fully operational.

However, to-date the certification process has not been completed.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning St.

Lucia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Vehicles travel on the left side of the road in St.

Lucia.

Roads are reasonably well paved but poorly marked, narrow and winding, with steep inclines/declines throughout the island.

There are few guardrails in areas that have precipitous drop-offs from the road.

In spite of these conditions, drivers often travel at excessive speed, and accidents are common.

The drive from Hewanorra International Airport to Castries or to Rodney Bay is a winding road through mountainous terrain and takes between 60 to 90 minutes.

St.

Lucia is served by privately owned and operated mini-buses, plying licensed designated routes.

While most such services operate only on weekdays during daylight hours, some may operate at night and on weekends and holidays.

Taxis are available at generally reasonable rates, but tourists are vulnerable to being overcharged.

When using minibus or taxi services, travelers should agree to a fare ahead of time.

The most commonly used trips such as Castries to Rodney Bay and Castries to Hewanora International Airport are fixed fares, and any dispute should be brought to the attention of the Tourism Authority U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but with less than competitive exchange rates.

When using minibus or taxi services, travelers should agree to a fare ahead of time.

When hiring a service at night, travelers should take precautions such as having their hotel call a reputable company for service.

A local temporary driver's license is required.

These can be purchased at all car rental offices and from the Transportation Office in Gros Islet.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning St.

Lucia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Vehicles travel on the left side of the road in St.

Lucia.

Roads are reasonably well paved but poorly marked, narrow and winding, with steep inclines/declines throughout the island.

There are few guardrails in areas that have precipitous drop-offs from the road.

In spite of these conditions, drivers often travel at excessive speed, and accidents are common.

The drive from Hewanorra International Airport to Castries or to Rodney Bay is a winding road through mountainous terrain and takes between 60 to 90 minutes.

St.

Lucia is served by privately owned and operated mini-buses, plying licensed designated routes.

While most such services operate only on weekdays during daylight hours, some may operate at night and on weekends and holidays.

Taxis are available at generally reasonable rates, but tourists are vulnerable to being overcharged.

When using minibus or taxi services, travelers should agree to a fare ahead of time.

The most commonly used trips such as Castries to Rodney Bay and Castries to Hewanora International Airport are fixed fares, and any dispute should be brought to the attention of the Tourism Authority U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but with less than competitive exchange rates.

When using minibus or taxi services, travelers should agree to a fare ahead of time.

When hiring a service at night, travelers should take precautions such as having their hotel call a reputable company for service.

A local temporary driver's license is required.

These can be purchased at all car rental offices and from the Transportation Office in Gros Islet.

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Airports - total

2

Airports with Paved Runways

2

Roadways- total

752 Miles 1,210 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

526 Miles 847 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Castries, Vieux Fort

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Telephones

41,000

Cell Phones

105,700

Internet Users

110,000

Internet Country Code

.lc

Internet Hosts

106

Broadcast Media

• 3 privately owned TV stations
• 1 public TV station operating on a cable network
• multi-channel cable TV service available
• a mix of state-owned and privately owned broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater transmission stations

Telephone System

• assessment: an adequate system that is automatically switched
• domestic: fixed-line teledensity is 25 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 130 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

302,200,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

325,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,922

Anthem Lyrics English

Sons and daughters of St.

Lucia, Love the land that gave us birth, Land of beaches, hills and valleys, Fairest isle of all the earth.

Wheresoever you may roam, Love, oh love your island home.

Gone the times when nations battled For this 'Helen of the West, Gone the days when strife and discord Dimmed her children's toil and rest.

Dawns at last a brighter day, Stretches out a glad new way.

May the good Lord bless our island, Guard her sons from woe and harm!

May our people live united, Strong in soul and strong in arm!

Justice, Truth and Charity, Our ideal for ever be!