PEOPLE
St. Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, with small East Indian and European minorities. English is the official language, although many St. Lucians speak a French patois. Ninety percent of the population is Roman Catholic, a further reflection of early French influence on the island. The population of just over 166,000 is evenly divided between urban and rural areas, although the capital, Castries, contains more than one-third of the population.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--St. Lucian(s).
Population (2006): 166,014.
Annual growth rate (2006): 0.74%.
Ethnic groups: African descent 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, European 1%.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, various Protestant denominations.
Languages: English (official); a French patois is common throughout the country.
Education (2004): Adult literacy--94.8%.
Health (2006): Infant mortality rate--12/1,000. Life expectancy--men 73 years; women 76 years.
Unemployment (2006): 15.7%.
