People and Society of Saint Lucia

Nationality

Saint Lucian(s)

Ethnic Groups

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

Population

187,000

Population in Major Urban Areas

CASTRIES (capital) 21,000

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.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Saint Lucia stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy averages around 77 to 78 years, while male life expectancy is somewhat lower, generally estimated between 72 and 74 years. These figures place Saint Lucia broadly in line with the middle tier of Caribbean nations when it comes to health outcomes and longevity. This relatively solid life expectancy reflects meaningful progress in the country's healthcare infrastructure over recent decades. Saint Lucia has expanded access to primary healthcare services across both its urban areas, such as the capital Castries, and its more rural communities. The government-run health system provides free or subsidized medical care to citizens, which has contributed to improved outcomes in areas such as maternal and child health, infectious disease management, and chronic disease monitoring. Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, represent the leading causes of death on the island and pose ongoing challenges to maintaining and improving life expectancy. Obesity rates have risen in recent decades, driven in part by dietary changes and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and health authorities have recognized these trends as a key public health concern requiring sustained intervention. Saint Lucia has also benefited from relatively stable access to clean water and sanitation, lower rates of extreme poverty compared to some regional neighbors, and a functioning primary and secondary healthcare network supported in part by international health partnerships. The country participates in regional health initiatives coordinated through the Caribbean Community and Common Market, known as CARICOM, which works to address shared health challenges across member states. It is worth noting that life expectancy figures for Saint Lucia experienced downward pressure in the early 2020s, consistent with the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained healthcare systems and contributed to excess mortality across the Caribbean. Recovery in key health indicators has been gradual. Over the longer term, life expectancy in Saint Lucia has trended upward across several decades, though gains have become more incremental as the island contends with the dual burden of noncommunicable diseases and constrained healthcare resources. Continued investment in preventive care, health education, and workforce development within the medical sector will be essential to sustaining and building on these outcomes in the years ahead.

Infant Mortality Rate

Saint Lucia has made significant strides in reducing infant mortality over the past several decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal health services, and public health education across the island nation. As of recent estimates, Saint Lucia's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 12 to 14 deaths per 1,000 live births. While this figure remains higher than rates seen in many high-income nations — where infant mortality often falls below 5 per 1,000 live births — it represents a dramatic improvement compared to rates recorded in earlier decades and compares favorably with many other small island developing states in the Caribbean region. Several factors contribute to the current infant mortality landscape in Saint Lucia. Access to prenatal care has expanded considerably, with the majority of births now occurring in supervised medical facilities. The island's network of health centers and its primary care system, overseen by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, plays a central role in monitoring maternal and newborn health. Vaccinations, nutritional support programs, and community-based health outreach have all contributed to better survival outcomes for infants. Leading causes of infant death in Saint Lucia, as in much of the developing world, include complications arising from premature birth, neonatal infections, and congenital anomalies. Respiratory conditions in the critical neonatal period — the first 28 days of life — account for a notable share of infant deaths. Disparities in health outcomes can still be observed between urban centers like Castries and more rural or remote communities, where access to specialist care may be more limited. Efforts by regional health bodies, including the Pan American Health Organization, alongside national government initiatives, continue to address these gaps. The overall trend is encouraging. Saint Lucia's infant mortality rate has declined steadily over time, a trajectory that reflects growing investment in the health sector and alignment with international child survival goals. Continued focus on equitable healthcare delivery, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care will be essential to sustaining and further improving these outcomes in the years ahead.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over has ever attended school

• Roman Catholic67.0%
• Christian (other)11.0%
• Seventh Day Adventist8.0%
• Protestant (other)7.0%
• None5.0%
• Anglican2.0%

English (official), French patois

• English
• French patois
• Kwéyòl

Crime Information

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.